GENEAL-OGY COLLECTION
c
I
COLLECTIONS
OF THE
Connecticut Historical Society
VOLUME XXIX
HARTFORD
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
I
1128518
OFFICERS
Elected May 21, 1957
President: Newton C. Brainard, Hartford.
Vice-President: Charles S. Bissell, Suffield.
Recording Secretary: Frances A. Hoxie, Manchester.
Corresponding Secretary: Florence S. Marcy Crofut, Hartford.
Treasurer: Allerton C. Hickmott, West Hartford.
Standing Committee: John M. K. Davis, Avon; Ward S. Jacobs,
Hartford ; Dr. H. Gildersleeve Jarvis, West Hartford ; Flor-
ence S. Marcy Crofut, Hartford; Robert Ewing, West
Hartford; Philip H. Hammerslough, West Hartford; Ran-
dolph T. Nielsen, Wethersfield; Dr. Ernest Caulfield,
West Hartford; Houghton Bulkeley, Hartford.
Membership Committee: Maxwell L. Brainard, West Hartford;
Mrs. Ferrari P. Ward, West Hartford; Joseph Simons,
West Hartford ; Robert Ewing, West Hartford ; Ellsworth
Grant, West Hartford; Richard C. Lincoln, Jr., Hartford;
Mrs. Allyn Seymour, Bloomfield; Mrs. Harry L. Hart-
man, Wethersfield ; Shepherd M. Holcombe, West Hartford.
Library Committee: John M. K. Davis, Avon; James Brewster,
Washington; Dr. Ernest Caulfield, West Hartford.
Publication Committee: Albert E. Van Dusen, Ph.D., Storrs; D. G.
Brinton Thompson, Ph.D., West Hartford; Melancthon
W. Jacobus, Hartford.
Program Committee: Donald B. Engley, Hartford; Mrs. John T.
Roberts, Hartford ; Benjamin F. Hubbell, Hartford.
Auditing Committee: Harold G. Holcombe, West Hartford; Sam-
uel P. Williams, Hartford.
Acquisitions Committee: Newton C. Brainard, Hartford; Charles
S. Bissell, Suffield; Philip H. Hammerslough, West Hart-
ford.
Endowment Committee: Newton C. Brainard, Hartford; Edgar F.
Waterman, Hartford ; Maynard T. Hazen, Hartford ; Wil-
liam H. Putnam, Hartford; Barclay Robinson, Avon;
Spencer Gross, Hartford.
Finance Committee: Morgan B. Brainard, Hartford; William H.
Putnam, Hartford; Houghton Bulkeley, Hartford.
STAFF
Thompson R. Harlow, Director; William L. Warren, Assistant
Director; Frances A. Hoxie, Assistant to the Librarian;
Phyllis Kihn, Editor; Jessie A. Parsons, Cataloguer; Mar-
jorie F. Waterman, Chiej of Reading Room; Charles B.
Russell, Guide; James Tomasiello, Superintendent.
£
■
V
i ■■’(.• »'^v *' ■■■
JOHN COTTON SMITH
PAPERS
Papers of John Cotton Smith while Lieutenant
Governor, Acting Governor and Governor
of the State of Connecticut
VOLUME V
February 4, 1815 — ^June 8, 1816
HARTFORD
THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
1957
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2016
https://archive.org/details/connecticuthisto29conn
CONTENTS
Page
Elisha Edgerton and Elisha Stearns to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 4,
1815 1
John Cotton Smith to Samuel W. Dana, Feb. 4, 1815 .... 1
John Cotton Smith to Calvin Goddard and Nathaniel Terry, Feb.
4, 1815 2
General Orders, Feb. 6, 1815 4
Horace Beach to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 6, 1815 5
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 8, 1815 ... 8
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 7, 1815 ... 10
Chauncey Goodrich to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 9, 1815 ... 11
John Cotton Smith to Hezekiah Goddard, Feb. 11, 1815 ... 11
John Cotton Smith to Benjamin Doud, Feb. 11, 1815 .... 12
David Daggett to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 11, 1815 .... 13
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 13, 1815 . . . . 13
Recommendation of Thomas Belden, Feb. 13, 1815 14
Monthly Return of a Corp of Infantry, Feb. 14, 1815 .... 14
Enoch Foote to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 18, 1815 15
John Cotton Smith to Hezekiah Goddard, Feb. 21, 1815 .... 16
Minutes of the Council of Safety, Feb. 3, 1815 17
General Orders, Feb. 22, 1815 17
John Cotton Smith to Hezekiah Goddard, Feb. 23, 1815 ... 18
Calvin Goddard and Nathaniel Terry to John Cotton Smith, Feb.
25, 1815 19
John Cotton Smith to Calvin Barber, March 7, 1815 .... 21
John Cotton Smith to Enoch Foote, March 4, 1815 .... 21
From Officers in the 18th Regiment to John Cotton Smith, March
6, 1815 22
Moses Hayden to John Cotton Smith, March 7, 1815 .... 24
Petition from Officers of Militia 25
Horace Beach to John Cotton Smith, March 10, 1815 .... 26
Joel Mattoon to John Cotton Smith, March 14, 1815 .... 26
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, March 15, 1815 . . . 27
Seth P. Staples to John Cotton Smith, March 17, 1815 .... 28
John Cotton Smith to Jared Mills, Jr., March 18, 1815 .... 29
John Cotton Smith to Samuel H. Stone, March 18, 1815 ... 30
John Cotton Smith to George W. Jewett, March 25, 1815 ... 31
General Orders, March 28, 1816 32
John Cotton Smith to Moses Hayden, March 25, 1815 .... 33
William Sherman, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, March 30, 1815 . . 34
vii
CONTENTS
Page
James Peck to John Cotton Smith, April 4, 1815 35
Luther Peck to John Cotton Smith, April 6, 1815 36
Petition from Second Company of State Artillery, April 12, 1815 37
John Cotton Smith to James Peck, April 14, 1815 38
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, April 15, 1815 .... 39
Linus Parmelee, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, April 17, 1815 ... 40
John Cotton Smith to Linus Parmelee, Jr., April 22, 1815 ... 41
Andrew Kingsbury to John Cotton Smith, April 24, 1815 . . . 41
Timothy Mitchell to John Cotton Smith, May 4, 1815 .... 42
Daniel B. Brinsmade to John Cotton Smith, May 8, 1815 ... 43
Thomas Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, May 9, 1815 . . . . 43
Garrit Smith to John Cotton Smith, May 8, 1815 44
Petition from Killingworth, May 10, 1815 45
John Cotton Smith to Garrit Smith, May 13, 1815 47
General Orders, May 13, 1815 48
Luther Bradley to John Cotton Smith, May 14, 1815 .... 48
Petition of Third and Ninth Companies, May 15, 1815 .... 49
William C. Bull to John Cotton Smith, May 15, 1815 .... 51
Isaac Perkins to John Cotton Smith, May 17, 1815 ..... 51
John Cotton Smith to Luther Bradley, May 15, 1815 .... 52
John Cotton Smith to Luther Bradley 53
General Orders, May 15, 1815 . 53
Petition from Hebron, May 20, 1815 54
Petition from North Milford, May 20, 1815 55
Paymaster’s Account, May 20, 1815 57
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, May 22, 1815 59
Petition from Haddam, May 22, 1815 60
Remonstrance from Capt. D. T. Carver and others. May 22, 1815 . 62
John Cotton Smith to John Brainerd, 2nd, May 24, 1815 . . . 62
General Orders, May 24, 1815 64
General Orders, May 24, 1815 64
Jonathan H. Sparhawk to John Cotton Smith, May 27, 1815 . . 66
Garrit Smith to John Cotton Smith, May 27, 1815 ..... 66
John Cotton Smith to Amaziah Bray, May 31, 1815 . . . . 67
John Cotton Smith to John Brainerd, May 31, 1815 68
John Cotton Smith to Amaziah Bray, May 31, 1815 .... 68
Calvin Goddard to John Cotton Smith, June 1, 1815 69
General Orders, June 3, 1815 70
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, June 12, 1815 ... 72
General Orders, June 5, 1815 73
General Orders, June 14, 1815 74
Thomas Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, June 16, 1815 .... 75
General Orders, June 21, 1815 75
Hezekiah Goddard to John Cotton Smith, June 23, 1815 ... 76
John Cotton Smith to Thomas Hubbard, June 23, 1815 . . . . 77
viii
CONTENTS
Page
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, June 24, 1815 ... 77
Samuel Bushnell, 2nd to John Cotton Smith, June 30, 1815 ... 78
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, July 1, 1815 .... 79
Matthew T. Russell to John Cotton Smith, July 12, 1815 ... 80
Laws of the United States, July 13, 1815 81
John G. Munn to John Cotton Smith, July 15, 1815 81
Discharges from the Military Corps, July 21, 1815 83
John Cotton Smith to Elisha Colt, July 21, 1815 83
John Cotton Smith to Matthew T. Russell, July 22, 1815 ... 84
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, July 22, 1815 ... 85
John Cotton Smith to John G. Munn, July 28, 1815 .... 86
Arnold P. Humphreys to John Cotton Smith, July 28, 1815 ... 86
E. Boardman to John Cotton Smith, July 30, 1815 87
David Gelston to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 3, 1815 89
John Cotton Smith to David Gelston, Aug. 11, 1815 89
John Cotton Smith to Arnold P. Humphreys, Aug. 8, 1815 ... 90
Thomas Day to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 16, 1815 90
Thomas Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 21, 1815 ... 91
Elizur Goodrich to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 21, 1815 .... 92
Thomas Day to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 22, 1815 92
Joseph H. Riggs to Joseph Tomlinson, Aug. 22, 1815 .... 93
Christopher Minot to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 22, 1815 ... 94
David Butler to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 23, 1815 96
William Belcher to Jirah Isham, Aug. 26, 1815 98
John Cotton Smith to Thomas Hubbard^ Aug. 28, 1815 ... 98
John Cotton Smith to [Theodore] Dwight, Aug. 28, 1815 ... 99
Joseph Tomlinson to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 28, 1815 . . . 100
Report of the Quartermaster General, Sept. 1, 1815 .... 101
Jared Scarborough to John Cotton Smith, Sept. 1, 1815 . . . 110
Decius Humphreys to John Cotton Smith, Sept. 5, 1815 . . . 112
John Cotton Smith to David Jackson, Sept. 5, 1815 . . . . 113
Enclosure 113
List of Men Liable to do Duty 114
John Cotton Smith to David Jackson, Sept. 5, 1815 .... 115
John Cotton Smith to Sereno Pettibone, Sept. 8, 1815 .... 116
John Cotton Smith to Jared Scarborough, Sept. 8, 1815 . . . 116
Petition from Middletown, Sept. 22, ,1815 117
An Account with the United States 119
Bill Regarding Fishnets in Litchfield Ponds, Oct., 1815 .... 121
Thomas Day to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 13, 1815 122
Sampson Bennet to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 4, 1815 .... 123
Memorial and Petition from Inhabitants of Litchfield, Oct. 9, 1815 124
Petition for Discharge of Sergt. Isaac Stoddard, Oct. 10, 1815 . 126
David Hall to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 10, 1815 126
General Orders, October 13, 1815 127
IX
CONTENTS
Page
Nathan Williams to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 14, 1815 .... 127
E. Bronson to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 18, 1815 128
Joseph Tousey to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 28, 1815 .... 129
Stephen Shelton to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 28, 1815 .... 129
Abel Flint to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 30, 1815 130
Ralph Hall to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 30, 1815 131
John Lester to John Cotton Smith, Nov. 9, 1815 131
General Orders, Nov. 16, 1815 132
Circular, November 18, 1815 133
William Trowbridge to John Cotton Smith, Nov. 25, 1815 . . . 133
Abraham I. Chittenden to John Cotton Smith, Nov. 29, 1815 . . 134
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, Dec. 2, 1815 . . . 135
Recommendation from Nathaniel Smith and Noah B. Benedict, Dec.
4, 1815 136
Nathan Preston to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 4, 1815 . . . . 137
John Butler to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 6, 1815 137
John Cotton Smith to Abraham I. Chittenden, Dec. 6, 1815 . . 138
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, Dec. 8, 1815 139
David Deming to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 20, 1815 .... 140
Abstract of Returns of Infantry, Dec. 26, 1815 141
General Orders, Dec. 26, 1815 142
John Butler to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 26, 1815 144
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, Dec. 30, 1815 145
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, Jan. 4, 1816 . . . 145
Circular, 1816 146
John Cotton Smith to Amaziah Bray, Jan. 6, 1816 147
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 10, 1816 . . . 148
Elisha Colt to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 10, 1816 149
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 13, 1816 151
William Bull to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 15, 1816 152
Applicants for the Formation of a Rifle Corps, Jan. 16, 1816 . . 154
John Cotton Smith to William Bull, Jan. 24, 1816 155
Nathan Starr, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 25, 1816 .... 156
John Cotton Smith to David Hawley, Jr., Jan. 27, 1816 .... 157
General Orders, Jan. 2, 1816 157
John Cotton Smith to Nathan Starr, Jr., Jan. 30, 1816 .... 158
John Cotton Smith to Elisha Colt, Jan. 31, 1816 158
Francis A. Perkins to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 1, 1816 .... 160
Orchard Gould to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 13, 1816 .... 161
Richard Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 16, 1816 . . . . 162
Charles Robinson to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 16, 1816 .... 163
David Hawley, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 17, 1816 . . . . 165
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 17, 1816 . . . 166
John Cotton Smith to George L. Perkins, Feb. 20, 1816 .... 167
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, Feb. 20, 1816 . . . . , . 168
X
I
CONTENTS
Page
General Orders, Feb. 20, 1816 169
Oliver Burr to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 23, 1816 170
John Butler to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 24, 1816 171
Jesse C. Hull to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 27, 1816 172
John Cotton Smith to Jesse C. Hull, March 9, 1816 .... 174
William Cotton to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 27, 1816 .... 174
William Trowbridge to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 29, 1816 . . . 175
George L. Perkins to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 29, 1816 .... 176
John Cotton Smith to Oliver Burr, March 1, 1816 177
Elisha Colt to John Cotton Smith, March 3, 1816 178
Hezekiah Goddard to Elisha Colt, Feb. 25, 1816 179
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, March 5, 1816 . . 180
John Cotton Smith to Elisha Colt, March 5, 1816 183
Enos A. Prescott to John Cotton Smith, March 8, 1816 .... 184
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 8, 1816 . . 185
John Cotton Smith to David Deming, March 9, 1816 .... 185
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, March 9, 1816 . . . 186
John Cotton Smith to George W. Jewett, March 23, 1816 . . . 186
John Cotton Smith to David Daggett, March 9, 1816 .... 187
John Cotton Smith to George Hoadly, March 9, 1816 .... 188
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 11, 1816 . . 189
David Deming to John Cotton Smith, March 13, 1816 .... 191
Application of Individuals in Saybrook, March 13, 1816 . . . 192
James Peck to John Cotton Smith, March 14, 1816 193
George Hoadly to John Cotton Smith, March 15, 1816 .... 194
William Humphreys to John Cotton Smith, March 20, 1816 . . 195
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 20, 1816 . . 197
John Cotton Smith to Chauncey Whittelsey, March 23, 1816 . . 198
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, March 23, 1816 . . 198
John Cotton Smith to James Peck, March 23, 1816 199
General Orders, March 23, 1816 200
John Cotton Smith to Abel Hall, March 23, 1816 201
John Cotton Smith to Enoch Foote, March 23, 1816 . . . . 202
General Orders, Alarch 25, 1816 202
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 25, 1816 . . 203
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, March 26, 1816 204
General Orders, March 26, 1816 206
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 27, 1816 . . 207
General Orders, March 27, 1816 209
Ezenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 28, 1816 . . 210
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, March 29, 1816 . . 210
[William Plumer] to John Cotton Smith, March 30, 1816 . . . 211
John Cotton Smith to George Hoadly, March 30, 1816 . . . . 211
Enoch Foote to John Cotton Smith, April 1, 1816 212
James Peck to John Cotton Smith, March 2 (April), 1816 . . 214
XI
CONTENTS
Page
William Williams, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, April 2, 1816 . . . 214
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, April 4, 1816 . . . 215
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, April 4, 1816 .... 217
William Williams, Jr., to John Cotton Smith, April 5, 1816 . . 217
General Orders, April 6, 1816 219
John Cotton Smith to [David Hawley, Jr.], April 6, 1816 . . . 219
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, April 8, 1816 . . . 220
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, April 10, 1816 . . 221
John Cotton Smith to William Humphreys, April 10, 1816 . . . 222
John Lester to John Cotton Smith, April 11, 1816 223
John Cotton Smith to George W. Jewett, April 13, 1816 . . . 223
John Cotton Smith to Horatio G. Hale, April 13, 1816 .... 224
John Cotton Smith to Samuel Waugh, April 13, 1816 .... 225
Robert Gates to John Cotton Smith, April 15, 1816 .... 226
John Cotton Smith to John Lester, April 17, 1816 226
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, April 18, 1816 . . . 227
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, April 24, 1816 .... 228
John Cotton Smith to Horatio G. Hale, April 27, 1816 .... 228
John Cotton Smith to Abel Hall, April 27, 1816 229
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, April 30, 1816 . . . 230
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, May 1, 1816 .... 230
George Hoadly to John Cotton Smith, May 3, 1816 231
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, May 8, 1816 . . . 232
David Deming to John Cotton Smith, May 10, 1816 .... 232
Jonathan Ingersoll to John Cotton Smith, May 11, 1816 . . . 233
John Cotton Smith to Enoch Foote, May 13, 1816 234
Enoch Foote to John Cotton Smith, May 15, 1816 235
George Hoadly to John Cotton Smith, May 16, 1816 .... 237
George W. Gordon to John Cotton Smith, May 16, 1816 . . . 238
Petition from Somers, May 18, 1816 239
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, May 24, 1816 .... 240
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, May 27, 1816 . . 241
General Orders, May 27, 1816 242
General Orders, May 27, 1816 242
Petition from 4th Company, May 27, 1816 244
Isaac D. Bull to John Cotton Smith, June 1, 1816 246
Instructions to Adjutant General Huntington, May 30, 1816 . . 247
John Cotton Smith to Chauncey Whittelsey, June 6, 1816 . . . 249
John Cotton Smith to Chauncey Whittelsey, June 8, 1816 . . . 250
xii
INTRODUCTION
This is the fifth volume of the Smith Papers and Volume 29
of the Collections of The Connecticut Historical Society. Its pub-
lication is possible through the Public Act appropriating $1,000.00
annually to the Society for this purpose. Another, and the final
volume, of this series will follow within two years.
Previous volumes of Collections may be purchased from The
Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford 5,
Connecticut, and a list of other available publications may be
had upon application.
xiii
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
ELISHA EDGERTON AND ELISHA STEARNS
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:1]
Sir
We recommend Capt Bildad Curtis of Coventry to be ap-
pointed a Captain in the troops to be raised by this State — Capt
Curtis for several years commanded a Militia Company in
Coventry with reputation to himself as an officer — and we have
no doubt that he would do honor to the Service Capt
Curtis is a man of regular & correct habits & principles
We are Most respectfully
Your Excellency’s
Obed‘ Serv*^®
Elisha Edgerton
Elisha Stearns
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esquire
Hartford Feb. 4^*^ 1815
[Endorsed] Capt. Bildad Curtis Coventry — Captain —
JOHN COTTON SMITH
TO SAMUEL W. DANA
[8:2]
State of Connecticut
Hartford 4. February 1815
Sir
I have the honour to transmit to you for the use of yourself
and colleague copy of a resolution passed by the General Assem-
bly at their late session on the subject of forming an arrangement
with the General Government relative to the defence of the
State —
I can only add Sir the expression of my entire confidence
that the Senators and representatives from this state in the
congress of the United States will be heartily disposed to afford
their assistance and cooperation in effecting the important ob-
jects embraced by the resolution —
1
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
With the highest respect
I have the honour to be
^ Sir your ob^ & h“ Ser^
Hon. Dana —
The like to M'’ Davenport for the representatives —
[Endorsed] To Senators & Representatives — 4 — Feb^ 1815
[on back leaf of 8:2]
D^ Sir
By direction of the General assembly I have the honour to
transmit to you a copy of certain resolutions adopted at their
late session and am D"" Sir with great respect and esteem your
obedient & humble sv^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO CALVIN GODDARD
AND NATHANIEL TERRY
[8:3]
Hartford 4. Feb^ 1815 —
Gentlemen —
You will herewith receive the evidence of your appointment
as commissioners to form an arrangement with the national
government relative to the defence of the state, pursuant to a
resolution of the General Assembly a copy of which is thereto
annexed.
The views of the legislature are so fully expressed in their
resolution that any additional instructions would seem to be
unnecessary. I shall therefore confine myself to a very few
observations —
The administration are apprized, and if necessary you will
bring it to their recollection, that the Sufferings of this state
from the war have been greatly augmented by the presence of
the National Ships in our waters. The heavy expence we have
incurred in protecting them furnishes such a claim upon the
justice and honour of the nation as appears irresistible. I am
not aware however that it is the intention of the Assembly, if
the arrangement shall in other respects be satisfactory, to insist
rigorously upon the immediate repayment of the sums we have
advanced. That the debt which has accrued in the prosecution
2
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
of the war should be explicitly assumed by the General Gov-
ernment is clearly indispensible ; and the proper officers are
directed to forward to you its amount, so far as the same can
at the present moment be ascertained —
The employment of the militia and the command of them
when in Service will probably be brought into discussion. You
will feel no hesitation, Gentlemen, in disclosing very frankly
to the President the sentiments of both the People and Govern-
ment of Connecticut upon that subject, and in stating distinctly
the little prospect which now presents itself, that the right to
controul our Militia, as claimed by the National Executive, will
in any event be recognized.
It is desirable you should act in concert with the commis-
sioners from the other states represented in the late convention
as well as with the senators and representatives from this State
now at Washington; and if to accomplish the purpose of your
mission an application to Congress should become expedient,
you will consider yourselves authorized to make to that body
such a representation as the rights and dignity of the state shall
require.
It is also advisable to keep a regular journal of your pro-
ceedings/ and whenever it is found most convenient to hold a
personal conference with the national agents on the points of
adjustment, to reduce the substance of it speedily afterwards
to writing, in order that you may be enabled to present a correct
report of the course as well as issue of the negotiation —
Information from time to time of your progress will be highly
acceptable —
Wishing you a safe and prosperous journey
I am with the greatest respect
Gentlemen, your obedient
and humble servant
John Cotton Smith
The Honourable Calvin Goddard
and Nathaniel Terry Esq'' —
[Endorsed] Instructions to the Hon. C. Goddard & N. Terry
Esq'' Copy —
3
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:4]
State of Connecticut
February 6. 1815.
General Orders
A General court martial, of which Lieutenant Colonel Com-
mandant Seth P. Staples is president, was held at New Haven
on the 6*^ and 7*^ days of January last, by order of the Brigadier
General of the second brigade, for the trial of Captain Caleb
Thompson of the lO^’^ regiment of infantry charged with de-
frauding his men in the payment of their wages and with un-
officerlike conduct —
The Prisoner was heard at large in his defence and the court
came to the following result — to wit — “The court after due
consideration of the testimony find the prisoner Capt. Caleb
Thompson Guilty of both the charges exhibited against him,
and sentence him to be reprimanded in such manner as the
Commander in chief may think proper to direct. The court hav-
ing found Capt. Thompson guilty, feel however bound to say
that from the evidence he appears to be a good officer, a man
of good moral character and of unblemished reputation for
integrity, and that he fell into the error he has committed in
consequence of the solicitation of an officer high command and
one to whom he had been accustomed to look not only for orders
to govern his conduct as an officer, but to whom he had a right
to look for an example of correct and honourable conduct as
a man. The court therefore beg leave to recommend the said
Capt Thompson to his Excellency the Commander in chief for
a pardon and total remission of said punishment. But the court
sensible of the strict integrity and nice honour which ought to
characterize an officer, and feeling how injurious is the impu-
tation of fraud to the honour of a soldier, have felt constrained
after mature deliberation to pronounce the prisoner guilty.”
The Captain General, having examined and duly considered
the whole record, has thought proper to approve of the proceed-
ings of the court, and the same are hereby approved accordingly.
4
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
It is seen with equal surprize and concern that the trial of
Captain Thompson has implicated the conduct of another
officer who has lately held a distinguished command in the
service of the state. The Captain General regrets that this offi-
cer, by withdrawing himself from the jurisdiction of a military
tribunal, has prevented a legal investigation of the facts, and
has thus avoided the opportunity of evincing his innocence, if
indeed he is innocent, of a charge which so deeply affects the
character of a soldier and of a man of honour. In his Com-
mander, the private soldier should ever find the faithful guardian
of his rights; and surely if there is one crime which a high
minded officer would more scrupulously avoid than another,
it is that of withholding from the troops under his command,
any part of the small compensation allowed them for hazarding
their lives in defence of their country.
It is ordered that Captain Caleb Thompson be released from
his arrest ; and that the General court Martial whereof Colonel
Seth P. Staples is president be dissolved.
John Cotton Smith.
[Endorsed] General orders — Court Martial 2°*^ Brigade —
Trial of Capt. Thompson — 10. Reg^ Infantry — Copy —
HORACE BEACH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:5]
Fort Wooster 6*^ Feb^ 1815
Sir
Your Excellencys Gen^ Order of 22°^ Feb^ was recv^ by me
on the after which I was in hourly expectation of receiving
the pay for the troops under my command — On the 28^^ I
reev‘d the following from the P. M. General
New London Feb^ 25*^ 1815
Sir
I reev^ orders from his Excellency that all the troops would
be dismissed immeadetly which I suppose you have reev‘d the
same I send you by Esq^ Cleveland the necessary blanks for
your company which you will please have filled & signed by
your souldiers, they must be duly mustered & you will have a
5
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
servant mustered for each of the Commissioned Officers I
put on the recept Rolls, perhaps you can send them back to me
by Esq'’ Cleveland who is attending the Circuit Court — or — if
you have any friend who you can trust with the Money I will
send the amount as soon as I receive the receipt Rolls & other
papers Necessary you will please be carefull that their is no
mistake in the muster-Rolls I shall want 3 sent me & 2 pay rolls
for the United States & 2 receipt Rolls for the U. S. I would
have sent you some Money but I have recv^ none from the
Treasurer yet
Yours with respect
LI Hez Goddard P M
on the receipt of the above
I wrote him the following
F Wooster — 28‘^ Feb^ 1815
Major H Goddard
Sir yours of the 25^*' was this day recv^ — According to
the General order I dont see as I can consistently muster the
Men under my command untill the day on which they are to
be paid — That part of the order relative to their being dis-
charged is this *‘They will accordingly on the receipt of this
order and payment of their wages be considered as discharged''
— I will have the rolls filled and, and signed by the Men (leav-
ing the date blank) so that I can complete them at a short
Notice, when the pay is ready I wish you would attend to it
as soon as possible as we are all verry anctious to be discharged
Yours verry respectfully
Horace Beach
Leu‘ Commanding
yesterday I received the following in answer to the above
New London March 2^ 1815
Sir
I have reev‘d yours of 28^^ FeF last — I was gone to Stoning-
ton or it would have been answered sooner — I wish you to
understand that I am not obliged to go to each detachment to
pay the Officers and Souldiers I will pay when they present
their receipt rolls, either by mail or otherwise as they shall direct
6
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
— I shall not consider myself at liberty to pay you and souldiers
for any further time after a reasonable time for you to muster
and make out your recept rolls after receiving them from me,
which was sent you the moment that I had any orders — If you
are obliged to Travel after your pay the Q. Master’s department
is bound to pay you according to the rules of the U. S. regula-
tions — I may leave this for Hartford on Tuesday morning
next but I am not certain that I shall go I wish for your receipt
rolls before that time you can send them by Monday mail Yours
with respect _&C
Hez Goddard
In answer to this I wrote him as follows
Fort Wooster 5^^ March 1815
Sir
Yours of the 2^^ is recv^ — If you dont know that I am not
bound to Travel after the Money to pay the Troops under my
command. I Give you the information — Further I can inform
you that I have no right to leave my post without orders, and
that I have no inclination to do it. My Orders are explicit, to
discharge the troops when paid. And I shall not do it before,
unless I have orders to that effect —
You well know the consequence of discharging Troops with-
out pay, and if they should have to wait your pleasure 10 or 20
days after the date of the Rolls and before paid, who is to pay
and subsist them?
I shall write the Governor uppon the subject, and shall take
orders from him
Yours
Horace Beach
Leu* Commanding
I consider your Excellencys General Order verry explicit, as
respects discharging the men before paid — And before I an-
swered the first letter of the Pay Master-General I Consulted
the Honb* E. Goodrich, Colo* Staples and a nuber[sic] of other
Gentlemen whoom I supposed publically acquainted with the
subject, and they all agreed with me on this, that I had no more
right to discharge the Men under my command without their
7
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
pay, than I had without the Order If your Excellency will
direct me what course to to take you will much oblige
your humble and
Obed‘ Servant
Horace Beach
Leu*^ Commanding
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq
Sharon
[Endorsed] Lieut. Horace Beach Com*^ Fort Wooster — de
pay of troops — 6. March 1815 rec^ 10^^ — D° — answ*^
D° — other papers enclosed
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:6]
Middletown Feb^ 8^^ 1815
Sir
Soon after the present Congress commenced its session, I
wrote to my friend M*" Dana, suggesting some notions respect-
ing an arrangement which might be made with the General
Government, for relieving this State of part of the burdens of
war which pressed heavily — My suggestions related to two
subjects chiefly — The employment of Troops by the State
to be paid by the United States & the supplying this State with
ordonance to be purchased from the United States. M^ Dana
in answer remarked that he doubted whether he could with
Propriety even attempt to jeel of of the Executive, without first
knowing the wishes & views of your Excellency & as I did not
think it worth while to trouble yr Excellency with the crude
Notions of an inexperienced Individual, nothing further was
said by either of us on the put Subject. I have however this
day received a letter from M*" Dana enclosing a Copy of some
questions put by him to the Ordonance Depart^ & also stating
a fact & a half way opinion, which I presume y^ Excellency
will not be displeased at seeing —
The fact & opinion are as follows —
“Contracts have been made for delivery of fresh Guns this
8
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
year — some are to be delivered on North River — I understand
that a number of pieces with Carriages for field Service, prob-
ably may be ready & would be loaned or perhaps sold (if de-
sired) to Connecticut some time in June next”
Y"* Excellency will see by the annexed questions & answers
that if those Guns can be had as suggested by Dana, they
will come much sooner, than can be purchased elsewhere — &
I think Yr Excellency would prefer having a part of the Debt
due this State, paid in ordnance rather than United States Stock.
I am with great respect
Yr Excellencys most
Obed^ Servant
Ch : Whittelsey
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esq*"
Copy
Ordn® Dept — Wash° Jan^ 26. 1815
Sir
The assis*' Com^ Gen^ being in attendance with the board of
Officers in military business, I am instructed by him to reply
to the several questions which I had the honor to receive from
you personally yesterday, as follows
QuesH 1 — What Calibers of Guns are preferred for field
Service ? Ans^ — Light Six & twelve pounder Cannon & five &
8/10 inch (or 24 pounder) howitsers
Ques° What weight of Cannon is required for each pound of
Shot ? Ans'' Eor the field 100 pounds ; — for battery 100„3„00
Ques" Can Iron Cannon either cast or wrought, be employed
to advantage as field Artillery?
Ans’’ Good cast iron guns are preferable to brass
Ques" What is the estimated expense for Iron cannon of either
Caliber, with carriage & apparatus complete Ans'' The present
& highest prices for Cannon are
for 6 pnds — 70 Dls each
12 D° — $140 — D°
24 pd Howits 60 — D° —
for Carriages as follows —
9
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
for 6 pnds $280 each
12D°$320 — “
24 D° Howits $320
I have the honor to be Sir yr mo Ob st
Mo Morton Capt
& I> Com^
Honb M^ Dana
Senate US —
N B — The equipments are omitted as the prices depend on the
places where they are made & of course varying — & are of in-
considerable importance in any general calculation” —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*"
Sharon Connecticut Single
[Endorsed] Col. C. Whittelsey 8. Feb" — 1815 — rec" IT^ —
de ordnance of U. States &c —
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:7]
Norwich February 1815
My dear sir
Yesterday I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s favour
of the 3P‘ Jan" & in conformity to your wishes have
this day written to Asa Willey Esq^ of Ellington for a return
of choice of officers in the Volunteer Exempts of that town,
which took place on the dismissal of Levi Welles Esq^ — as no
such return has ever been made to me — nor had I any knowl-
edge of the fact before the rec^ of your excellencys letter
— lam not disapointed that the state should hesitate respecting
raising troops at this time of extreme embarrassment in obtain-
ing funds — but it is obvious that if troops are necessary to
defend our coast, that inlisted men are more efficient & less
expensive than militia detachments
I am dear with much esteem
very sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
I
10
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon Via
New Haven Chelsea Landing Feb^ 7
[Endorsed] Adj^ Gen^ Huntington
CHAUNCEY GOODRICH
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:8]
Hartford Febr.ry 9. 1815.
Dear sir,
By the request of the Rev^ W. Lockwood of Glastenbury
I mention to you that He will be pleased with the appointment
of Chaplain in the corps about to be raised.
Any further information that may be required I shall b(
able to give when I have the pleasure of meeting your Excellency
at the session of the Council.
I am Sir,
very respectfully y^ Obed‘
& Humble Servant
Chauncey Goodrich
His Excellency
Gov'’ Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] L*^ Gov'’ Goodrich — recommending Rev^ M'’ Lock-
wood as Chaplain &c
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HEZEKIAH GODDARD
[8:9]
Sharon 11. Feb^ 1815
Sir —
Agreeably to your desire I immediately drew on the Comp-
troller in your favour for $2500 — of which he assured me
he would duly advise you —
The late act of Assembly regarding Horse artillery I presume
will meet the views of the 2°*^ troop 3'’*^ reg*^ cavalry. I am de-
sirous of establishing one of the companies in that vicinity, and
11
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
although authority is given by the act to detach, I should greatly
prefer a voluntary tender of service The Troop already
mentioned will probably have an opportunity, in the course of
the next week, to examine the act of the legislature and should
they feel disposed to volunteer, the offer will be accepted with
real satisfaction. The Q. M. General is making the necessary
preparations to render this species of force effective early in
the ensuing season — To that officer I communicated your
proposition for mounting cannon — But he has already I be-
lieve closed his contracts — If not you will doubtless hear from
him —
After due inquiry I have concluded that Capt. Farrand is on
the whole entitled to his pay and you will accordingly adjust
it with him deducting the time he was absent from his post —
I am Sir respectfully your
obedient & humble SeF
J. C. S -
Major Goddard p. m. General —
[Endorsed] To Major Goddard P.
M. General 11. Feb^ 1815
Sir
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO BENJAMIN DOUD
[8:10]
Sharon 11. Feb^ 1815
Your report for January arrived here during my absence at
the late session of the legislature —
You will consider the force under your command as placed for
the immediate defence of Fort Fenwick. Any operations there-
fore which are not intimately connected with this object must be
evidently improper. Hence with or without your consent it was
altogether unjustifiable in your men to volunteer on the occa-
sion to which you allude. I am happy to perceive that you dis-
approve of such irregularities and that you are determined to
prevent a repetition of them in future —
Expecting to hear from you again in the course of the present
month I am Sir your
obedient servant —
J. C. S —
12
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Lieut. Doud —
[Endorsed] Lieut. B. Doud — 11. Feb^ 1815 —
DAVID DAGGETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:11]
„. Washington 1T^ Feb^ 1815
I had the Honour to receive your letter of the 4^^^ Inst, inclosing
the resolutions of the Legislature of Connecticut proposing sev-
eral amendments to the Constitution of the United States. No
opportunity has yet been embraced to confer with my Colleague,
and the Representatives in the House of Representatives, on this
important subject.
I have the honour to be
very respectfully your
obed‘ ser^
David Daggett
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
Connecticut, fm David Daggett
[Endorsed] Hon. M*" Daggett de amendments of Constitution
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:12]
His Excellency John C Smith
Sir
In my Letter of application for a Major Appointment in the
new guard, — — forwarded by Col. Staples — I pray to be
understood by your Excellency, that, should my claim be found
of minor merit to other applicants for the same grade —
I might still remain an applicant for an appointment of the
.yan2[sic] grade as that of my present standing. my present
situation is growing too inactive for a military man.
I am very respectfully
your Excellency’s
Ob‘ Serv^
13
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Killingworth
Febuary 13^^ 1815
Amaziah Bray
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of the
St. of Con‘ Sharon Killingworth Feb^ 13‘^
[Endorsed] Capt. Bray — de commission —
RECOMMENDATION OF THOMAS BELDEN
[8:13]
T 0 his Excellency John C Smith Esquire,
Governor of the State of Connecticut,
It being represented to us that M*" Thomas Belden is about
making application for a commission in the Corps to be raised
for the defence of this State, we whose names are under written,
being acquainted with M"" Belden, would state to your Excellency
that he is a Gentleman of fair character, of respectable con-
nexions & standing in Society, and that in our opinion, he will
do honor to any command, which may be conferred upon him.
Norwalk 13*^ Feb^ 1815
Henry Belden
JoN^ Knight
Clark Bissell
William S*^ John
Sylvanus Haight
M^ JaS Lambert
Sam^ B Sherwood
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq.
Hartford Saugatuck 22^^ Febu^
[Endorsed] Thomas Belden applicant for commission — Nor-
walk —
MONTHLY RETURN OF A CORP OF INFANTRY
[8:14]
Monthly Return of a Corp of Infantry in the
Service of the State of Connecticut Stationed at
14
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Fort Union Black Rock Under the Command of
Lent John W Hanford from the 15 Jan^ 1815 to the
14th Feb^ Inclusive
[statistical table omitted in this publication]
Sick in Hospital Isaac H Osborn private from the 23^ Jan^ to the
2^ Feby Ab° M Wheeler Fifer from the 30 Jan^ to the 2^ Feb^
John Godfrey from the 4^^ Feb^ to the 8 D° . David Croft
from the 4*^ Feb^ to the IF^ Elezer Willson from the 7 to the
14 Feb^ Joseph Bulkley Ser®*^ from the 2^ to the 14‘^ Feby.
Corp^ Winthrop Willson from the 7 to 14**^ Inclusive the above
described Men have been Sick with the Meazles (Mostly Re-
coved) —
Amunition how disposed of (from the 15 Decf 1814 to Feb^ 6
1815 Discharged 29 Small Arms to Clean them Feb^ 13. 1815
Discharged one 12 w^ Cartrage p^ Order Co' G Burr (in honor of
the peice news) Same day Discharged 3 Six poude [sic] & 3 Eight-
een pound Cartrages of the United States Amunition in honor of
the Great and Glorious piec news (those last mentioned Cartrages
was presented by the Committ) & they are holden if any error
Committed in So Doing Discharged on the 20^^^ Feb^ Ephraim
B Beers Second Serg'^ James Jorden Ser®'^ who was detach^
to Supply his place Reported himself to me on the Same day
I certify the within & above to be a True Return of a Corp of
Infantry Under my Command for the Second Monthly Report
Ending on the Feb^ 1815
John W Hanford Lut Com^
[Superscribed] His Exelency John Cotton Smith Esqr —
Sharon Con — Fairf 15 Feby
[Endorsed] Lieut. J. W. Hanford. Report — Feb^ 1815
ENOCH FOOTE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:15]
Bridgeport Feb^ IS''" 1815
Dear Sir
I have recev^ your Excellencys favour of the IF'^ int Consern-
ing the organiziation of a Compny of Horse artiliry in the Reg^
15
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
of Cavalry anexed to the 4^^ Brigade the news of Peace
has created a Suspition in my mind wheather your Excellency
will pursue this matter at this time believing theirfour that I
Could obtain your Excellenys answer in time to render this
Service I have defered any Selection until I Can further know
your Excellencys mind Should your Excellencys Con-
clude to make this arrangement I would Suggest the propriety of
detaching the first Company on acct of the Local Situation —
the probability is this Company would about half Volunteer
the other oppose and if the question Should be put to Volunteer
and a Majority not obtained to order after that would in my
opinion have a bad tendensy it would create animosity and
distroy the harmony in the Company it is theirfour Clearly my
opinion that an order at first will be preferabe to runing the
hazard of Trying the minds to Volunteer notwithstanding my
opinion your Excellencys directions will be Cheerfully put in to
Execution
I have the honour to be with
high Consideration your Excellencys
Huble Serv*
Enoch Foote
His Excellency John C Smith Esqr —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Sharon
[Endorsed] B. Gen^ Foote — de Horse Artillery 18. Feb^ 1815
answ^ 4^^ March
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HEZEKIAH GODDARD
[8:16]
Hartford 21. Feb^ 1815 —
Sir —
It is my desire that you make immediate arrangements to
discharge the wages of the troops in service — I would now
forward a general order for their dismission ; but as the Council
will convene in this city tomorrow I deem it respectful to lay
the subject before that body — You will doubtless receive in-
16
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
structions in form by next mail — Meanwhile it is advisable to
be so far in readiness as to prevent any unnecessary delay —
I know not the exact seum you may still require for this object.
I propose therefore unless you arrive before my departure to
leave with the Comptroller directions to furnish you with Such
an amount as will be sufficient to meet the expenditure with
my congratulations on the restoration of peace — I am Sir re-
spectfully your obedient
& humble servant
J. C. Smith —
Major Goddard P. M. G.
[Endorsed] To Major Goddard P. M. Geffi — 21. Feb^ 1815
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY
[8:17]
Organization of new corps —
3 Comp. Infantry — 1 Capt. 2 Liut. 1. Ensg. 4. Serg^ 4 Corpl.
2 drummers 2 lifers — & 96 privates*
112
3 Comp. Artillery — 1 Capt. 2 Lieut. 4 Serg^® 4 Corporals
2 music 44 privates total 57 —
1 Lieut. Col. Com* & 1 Major Infantry 1 Artillery
Staff —
1 Adjutant 1 Paymaster — 1 Quarter Master — 1 Serg* Major
1 Quarter Master Sergeant —
1 Chaplain — 1 Surgeon — 1 Surgeon’s mate —
Council of the State to meet 22“** Feb^
[Endorsed] Minutes of the Council of Safety 3'’** Feb^ 1815
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:18]
State of Connecticut —
Hartford February 22°^ 1815 —
General orders —
The Commander in chief having received satisfactory informa-
tion that hostilities have ceased between the United States and
17
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
the United kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, has thought
proper to dispence with any farther service from the troops now
on duty under the authority of this state, wherever they may
have been stationed for its protection. They will accordingly on
the receipt of this order and payment of their wages (which the
Pay Master General will cause to be done without delay) be
considered as discharged
The Commandants at the several posts are required to render
a strict account of the ordnance, arms, munitions of war and all
other public property in their custody to the Quarter Master Gen-
eral ; and that officer will make the necessary dispositions for
their preservation.
The Commander in chief would do injustice to his feelings
should he forego the present opportunity of congratulating his
brethren in arms on the termination of the war, and of tendering
to them his warmest acknowledgments for their honourable and
faithful services in defence of the state
By order of His Excellency the Commander
in chief
[Endorsed] Geffi Orders — 22. Feb^ 1815 disbanding the troops
sent to — Q. M. General P. M. General — Lieut. B. Doud
Lieut. H. Beach Lieut. I. W. Hanford & to the Comman-
dant of the guard at Stonington —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HEZEKIAH GODDARD
[8:19]
Hartford Februay 23. 1815 —
Sir
Pursuant to a resolution of the General Assembly passed at
their late Session you are hereby directed to pay Such of the
militia of this state as served under orders legally issued be-
tween the 1®*^ May 1813 and the 1. January 1814 and as are
entitled to pay & yet remain unpaid and you will see that the
amount is charged to the United States — The object of the
resolution is to pay those bodies of militia who were brought
into the field on sudden alarms within the periods above men-
tioned— whose services were recognized by the Genl. Govern-
18
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
ment & whom their pay master engaged to satisfy — but which
has never been done —
I enclose the General orders mentioned in my last — to wit
a copy for yourself, one for the Commandant at Stonington
and one for the Commandant at Saybrook which you will be so
good as to cause to be delivered — and whatever expense may
acme you will charge to the Q. M. department
I am Sir your very ob^ Srt^
[Endorsed] To Major Goddard Copy — 23. Feb^ 1815
CALVIN GODDARD AND NATHANIEL TERRY
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:20]
George Town Feb,y AD 1815
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
sir,
We arrived here on the 15*^^ Ins^ to make an
arrangment with the Government of the United States, pur-
suant to your instructions, respecting the future defence of
the State — The treaty of Peace with the British Government,
arrived here, one day before us ; and it’s retification has happily
put an end to the principal object of our mission, by putting an
end to the war, from the pressure of which we sought for pro-
tection. Since our arrival, a Bill has passed the Senate, without
opposition, which in our judgment will prevent the necessity
of any further application, at present, respecting our reim-
bursment for past expenditures — We have waited untill today,
hoping to have been able to advise your Exellency of this
Bill having been concurred in, by the House of Representatives
— It was made the order of the day for Thursday, & postponed
untill this day, & now has given way to other business. It will
probably meet with opposition, but we think will become a law
— Our confidence in this is founded, in no small degree, upon
the fact, that other States are more interested in its provisions,
than Connecticut or Massachusetts — It is possible that the
short time which remains of the Session may occasion a post-
19
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ponement, but we have full confidence that provision will be
made by law for the claims of Connecticut —
We have been in daily expectation of receiving from the
proper officers, vouchers to support our claims ; but as yet are
disappointed — This is less to be regretted, as in case of the
passage of the Bill refered to, a copy of which we do ourselves
the honour to inclose, it will be perceived that an Act of the
Legislature of the State, accepting Stock in full satisfaction,
will become necessary before we could avail ourselves of it’s
provisions —
On the whole we have concluded that our longer continuance
here to wait, either for the accounts, or the passage of the
Bill, cannot be important to the interest of the State, & shall
commence our journy home on Monday next — This indeed
should have probably ventured to do earlier, if the indisposition
of G — had not rendered it difficult for him to travel — We
cannot but avail ourselves of this opportunity to felicitate our
Country, your Excellency & ourselves, upon a termination so
happy, not only of our mission, but of the multiplied evils &
sufferings of our Country by the termination of an unhappy
war which gave rise to both — And to rejoice that not only our
liberties but our free constitution have been preserved through
a war which in it’s progress & conduct at one time threatened
to demolish the pillars on which it rested —
With the sentiments of the highest respect and
Consideration, we are your
Excellency’s Obd^ and
very Hble Serv‘®
Calvin Goddard
Nath^ Terry
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Sharon Con-
necticut
[Endorsed] Hon. C. Goddard & N. Terry Esq’’ Commissioners
&c. 25. Feb^ 1815 rec^ 8. March D°
[8:21]
Printed copy of A Bill introduced in the Senate of the United
States February 10, 1813. Omitted in this publication.
20
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO CALVIN BARBER
[8:22]
State of Connecticut —
To Calvin Barber Esq. Col. Cowl of the 18^^ regiment
militia —
Sir
Pursuant to your recommendation and at the request of the
individuals who composed the fourth company of artillery in
the late Military corps of the State I have thought proper to
form them (with the exception of those living without the limits
of the first brigade) into a company of militia artillery, to annex
them to the 18*^^ regiment under your command and to allow
them their present uniform until further orders — You are
therefore hereby required to cause legal notice to be given the
applicants aforesaid (excepting as aforesaid) to meet at such
time & place as you shall designate for the purpose ; and when
so met, you will lead them to the choice of such commissioned
and non commissioned officers as by law are necessary to organ-
ize the company completely, and make returns of the choice of
commissioned officers to the next General Assembly —
Given under my hand at Sharon
the 7^^ day of March AD 1815 —
[Endorsed] Order to Col, 18^^ Reg^ de Artillery comp^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ENOCH FOOTE
[8:23]
Sharon 4. March 1815 —
Dear sir —
Your favour of the 18*^^ Ult° — arrived whilst I was at Hart-
ford — or it would have received an earlier notice —
The restoration of peace is indeed a subject of heartfelt con-
gratulation — But that event in my opinion ought not to relax
our endeavours in the slightest degree towards the improvement
of the militia by every practicable method both in their organ-
ization & discipline — I shall particularly lament an omission
to sieze the favourable opportunity which the legislature have
21
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
afforded us of adorning as well as strengthening our military
system by the introduction of flying artillery — I propose ac-
cordingly to lose no time in converting from companies of cav-
alry into Horse Artillery pursuant to the Act of Assembly. It
is very desirable that one of these companies should be located
at or near Bridgeport — and I do hope a company or a majority
of it, will voluntarily offer to be thus organized — There are
so many troops of cavalry in the state who are desirious of this
distinction that I am unwilling to detach any one by a peremp-
tory order — If no one therefore shall present itself from the
limits of your brigade I shall feel it my duty tho’ much against
my inclination to make a selection from those who court the
service wherever they may happen to be situated — Have the
goodness sir to sound the feelings of the cavalry under your
command & apprize me of the result —
With sincere regard I am D*" Sir
your obedient & humble ser‘
J. C S -
Brig*^ Gen* Foote —
P. S. Your letter of the 12*'*' ult° announcing the news of peace
was duly received. Altho’ the pleasing intelligence had pre-
viously reached me, you are not the less entitled to my warmest
thanks for your politeness & attention —
FROM OFFICERS IN THE 18TH REGIMENT
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:24]
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain General & Com-
mander in chief of the Militia of the State of Connecticut. —
Sir
The undersigned, Commissioned and staff Oflicers,
belonging to the 18*'*' Reg*' of Connecticut Militia, are informed
that the individuals which composed a company of Artillery
raised under the act of October 1813, & commanded by Captain
Sereno Pettibone, have applied to your Excellency to be estab-
lished as an Artillery Company, and annexed to said Regiment.
With united pleasure and approbation, we should view any
22
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
measure, adopted for the wellfare of the militia of this State,
and of the harmony and prosperity of the Regiment, in which
we have the honor to serve. But Sir, we do sincerely beleive,
that if this application is granted, it will destroy that harmony
which has always existed in this Regiment, and will extinguish
that military ardor and ambition, which none but the Soldier
feels.
In support of this opinion we deem it proper to state a few
facts. The 18*^^ Reg*^ is small in number, and already have two
companies of light Infantry attached to it. None of the Com-
panies have there complement, and if the grant is made, several
will be reduced to a number so small, that it will excite no other
emotions, than those of chagrin, & mortification, in their Officers.
But if your Excellency beleives, that the interest of the State
require an augmentation of Artillery, & that Cap*^ Pettibones
Company have a claim to a grant, we request that a time and
place may be designated, when and where we may be heard in
support of this remonstrance.
Simsbury March 6^^ 1815.
Philander Case CapB Com
James Cornish Lieut Comp
Cornish EnsP'' P‘ comp
Oliver Filley Cap^ 8^^ comp
Ebenezer Shepard Lieffi 8*^^ Compos
David Pinney Ensign 8 Comp
Elihu Holcomb Lieut 7. Company
Erastus Roberts Ensign
Joel Clark Cap* 3"'*^ Company
Hervey Skinner Ens® 3** Company
John Viets Capt. 7**^ Company
Abner Case Liu* 2^ Light Inft Company 18**^
Sterling B. Dibble Liu* P Light Inft Comp 18
James Huggins J^ Capt 6 Company
Stephen Case Ensign 2 Company
Loin Humphrey Liut 6 Comp
Asahel Bliss Ensign Do
Gad Curtis Lieu 4*^ Company
23
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Jared Mills Jun^ Cap’t 4^^ Company 18 Reg^
Ralph Dyer Ensign 4 Company 18 Reg*
The undersigned commissioned Officers belonging to the first
Regiment of Cavalry in this State, and residing within the limits
of the 18*^ Reg* of Infantry, do agree to the foregoing repre-
sentation. Simsbury March 6**" 1815. —
Austin Phelps Cap*
Joseph Pinney 2°*^ Liut
Asaph Fuller P* Liut
[Superscribed] His Elcelency [sic] John C Smith Esq^ Sharon
C* Canton, C* 7**^ March
[Endorsed] Remonstrance of officers in the 18*^ regiment — 7.
March 1815 rec^ 15*^ answ*^ 18**^
MOSES HAYDEN TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:25]
T o His Excellency &c —
sir, The repeated importunities of the Officers and Soldiers of
my company have induced me to solicit your Excellency, that
(if practicable) we may be continued in some shape or other
as an Indepenent Company. I have not seen the Officers of
the Corps generally, but as far as I have knowedge much
anxiety prevails — patriotic young men who in many instances
have expended their all to equip themselves are unable to get
new Uniforms at present & feel great reluctance in returning
to their various Companies on that & on other accounts. If the
Corps at the approaching Session of the Legislator cannot or
will not be continued as Infantry or converted into Artillery —
I would then at this time apply that this company might be
annexed to the 25*^^ Regiment if not as Infantry then as artillery
or Riflemen
I would humbly request of His Excellency to be informed re-
garding the above
With great regard I remain
Your Excelencys
Obed* Humble
Ser*
Moses Hayden
24
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Barkhamsted (Winsted)
March 7^^ 1815
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Capt„
Gen^ &C — Sharon Winchester 9*^ March
[Endorsed] Capt. M. Hayden 7. March 1815 rec^ 25*^^!! answ*^
D°
PETITION FROM OFFICERS OF MILITIA
[8:26]
To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Governor
and Commander in chief in and over the State
of Connecticut —
The Petition of the Subscribers (being Commissioned & Non-
commissioned officers of the 3^ Company in the Reg^ of
Connecticut Militia) humbly Sheweth, That whereas the Volun-
teer Artillery Company in the Town of Guilford are about to
be discharged from Duty, we the Subscribers being desirous that
the Brass Field pieces belonging to the s^ Company may be re-
tained in said Town of Guilford, Pray Your Excellency that
the said 3*^ Company may be formed into an Artillery Company
and be furnished with proper Ordinance for an Artillery Com-
pany, and also that the Commissioned officers of s*^ 3** Company
may Receive Commissions proper for an Artillery Company And
also we the Subscribers would further Certify your Excellency,
that the Privates belonging to s*^ 3*^ Company are unanimously
agreed to Equip themselves with suitable accoutrements for an
Artillery Company as we in duty bound Shall ever pray
Samuel H Stone Capt
Benjamin Bradley Lieut.
David Parmele Ensign
George A. Foote
John Hotchkiss
Joel Tuttle
Samuel S. Norton
William H. Hubbard
Leveret Cruttenden
Ralph P. Chittenden
Commissioned
^ Officers
N oncommissioned
Officers
25
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Superscribed] John Cotton Smith Esq*" Governor of the
State of Connecticut — Sharon —
[Endorsed] Capt. S. H. Stone &c. Guilford — de artillery 0‘
without date rec^ 10. March 1815 answ^ 18^^
HORACE BEACH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :27]
New Haven 10^ March 1815
Sir
I had the honor of writing your Exellency on the 6*^ Instant
giving coppys of letters which had passed between the Pay
master-General & Myself — On the 9^*^ the P. M. General ar-
ived in Town and informed me that he was ready to pay off
the Men under my command — I immeadetly had them Mus-
tered and he paid us in the Course of the day, the Men are Now
all discharged and all the public property which was at the
Fort returned to the Ass^ Q- M. General in this place I am Sir
Your
Excellencys obd*^
Servant Horace Beach
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Sharon
[Endorsed] Liut H. Beach 10. March 1815 rec*^ 17^^ informing
me troops are paid —
JOEL MATTOON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:28]
T 0 his Exellency John C Smith
Sir
I take the liberty to apply to your Exellency for a
Discharge fron Military Duty on the following Grounds firstly
I have ben for a long time afflicted with a pain in the Brest
(Occasion‘d by a Sprain) which at intervales has Excluded me
from my Regular bisness, Secondly in the fall of 1814 I entered
the Service of the State as orderly Sergeant, in the corps raised
for the Defence of this harbour — under Liut Horace Beach
26
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
in which Corps I Served untill honourably Discharg'^, upon the
statement of the above facts I ask your Exellency To Excuse
me from being enrolled as a privet in the Militia
and Obliege Your Excellenceys
Most Obedeient
and Humble Serven
Joel Mattoon
New Haven
14 March 1815
The signer of the above Joel Mattoon is in my Opinion a Man
of strict veracity — He served with Me as above stated and
acquited himself to My entire satisfaction
Horace Beach
New Haven 16^^ March 1815
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq**
Sharon
[Endorsed] M*" Joel Mattoon N. Haven 16. March 1815 rec^ &
answ*^ 25^^
[8:28]
[inside leaf — handwriting of J. C. S.]
Sharon 25. March 1815
Sir
Your letter is received. Before I can grant your request it
will be necessary for you to procure a recommendation from
the Colonel of the regiment founded upon a certificate of the
Surgeon that your disability is such as ought to exempt you from
military duty —
I am Sir your ob^ Sv^
GEORGE W. JEWETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :29]
Saybrook March 15. 1815.
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Sir, The State Corps, by the termination of the war, with
Great Britain, is no more. In consequence of which, the Soldiers
27
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
of the Company which I lately commanded, are very solicitous
to know their Destiny. After the expence and trouble encoun-
tered, the sacrifices made, and Services rendered, they think
it would be a great piece of Injustice to compel them into the
Infantry. They appear to be willing and desirous (indeed I
presume there would not be a dissentient) to be organized as
Militia Artillery, with the privilege of choosing their own
Officers — and be attached to the 7*^ Regiment or to the 2^
Brigade — Some provision I have no doubt will be made at
the approaching Session of the Legislature; but as there is an
annual muster of the Militia previous, and as the Dispositions
of many of the Militia Officers is to oppress the State Corps
all in their power; it is a question of serious consideration to
them, how they can avoid being fined on the first Monday in
may next.
Your Excellency’s suggestions on this subject
will much Oblige
Your very Obedient Servant
Geo. W Jewett
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governor Smith Sharon Conn
[Endorsed] Major G. W. Jewett de artillery comp^ rec^ 25.
March 1815 answ*^ D° —
SETH P. STAPLES TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:30]
New Haven March 17^ 1815
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Governor of Connecticut
Sir, Your letter of the 4^ inst is rece^. Sickness in my family
& the Death of one of my Children are my apology for not
answering your Excellencies letter more punctually — In my
opinion it would be acceptable to have 2 Troops of Cavalry De-
tached to serve as horse Artillery in this Brigade & should two
be taken should recommend the 1st & 4^ Troops — If but one
it taken should recommend the 1st Troop, with liberty to recruit
within the bounds of New Haven
28
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I remain with esteem & respect
Your Exc^ Most Obt
S. P. Staples
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Esq Gov'" of
Connecticut Sharon Conn^
[Endorsed] Col. S. P. Staples 17. March 1815 de Horse artil-
lery —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JARED MILLS, JR.
[8:31]
Sharon 18. March 1815
Sir
I have received your letter enclosing a remonstrance signed
by yourself & other commissioned officers of the 18*^ regiment,
against the formation of an artillery company within the limits
of that regiment — I regret the communication did not reach
me at an earlier day, as I should readily have postponed a de-
cision for the purpose of hearing what might be urged against
the measure . . I was not aware, especially after the explicit
recommendation of the L*^ Colonel commandant that any objec-
tions existed to the proposed arrangement —
At the meeting of the Council on the 22“^ Feb’' last it was
recommended to the Captain General by that Honourable body
to increase one corps of Artillery — and particularly to avail
ourselves of the skill & experience acquired by the late artillery
companies in the state troops by forming them into militia
artillery if they should express a willingness to be so organized
— In these sentiments I fully concurred — When therefore the
members of the late 4^^ Company in the state artillery made a
voluntary tender of their services, supported by the recommen-
dation of the colonel — and when I perceived that no artillery
company was attached to the 18*^^ regiment, I could not but
consider that the strength &; respectability of the regiment would
be essentially augmented by yielding to their request — and an
order was issued accordingly exempting from its operation those
individuals of the company who lived without the limits of
1st
29
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
I trust Sir that you and the other gentlemen will on further
reflection view the subject in the same light — and in any event
that you will conceive me to have been actuated by no other
motive than a sincere desire to promote the best interests of the
militia —
You will be pleased to communicate this letter to the officer
who joined you in the application and to believe me respectfully
Sir your
ob‘ & humble ser^
J. C. S-
Capt. Jared Mills Junior
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO SAMUEL H. STONE
[8 :32]
Sharon 18. March 1815
Sir
I have received a communication signed by the commissioned
and non commissioned officers of the 3'’^ company in the 27^^
Reg^ of militia requesting that the company just mentioned
may be formed into an Artillery company and that the officers
may be commissioned accordingly —
It is very desirable that our corps of Artillery should be in-
creased especially on the sea coast but no authority is vested
in the Captain general to convert an organized company of
infantry into artillery — If a Sufficient number of individuals
can be obtained by enrolment without injuring materially the
infantry companies and this fact is certified by the Colonel
Com* and the measure recommended by him, I shall cheerfully
issue an order to organize them into an artillery company. This
is the customary & legal mode of accomplishing the object. I
highly commend the laudable spirit manifested by the present
applicants and sincerely regret that it is not in my power to
comply with their request —
I am Sir your obedient &
very humble servant
Capt. S. H. Stone —
[Endorsed] To Capt. S. H. Stone — 18. March 1815
30
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE W. JEWETT
[8:33]
^ Sharon 25. March 1815 —
Sir
Your letter of the 15*^^ postmarked 20^^ inst. is received —
On the return of peace I felt a strong solicitude for the fate
of “the Military corps” — and laid the subject before the coun-
cil at the meeting of that body on the 22"'^ February last —
Various expedients were Suggested but on the whole so many
difficulties occurred it was thought the Sovereign authority of
the legislature alone could remove them — It appeared however
to the council as well as to myself very desirable to avail our-
selves of the skill & experience which the State troops had
acquired and particularly the Artillery by Suffering them to be
organized into select bodies in the manner prescribed by law &
attached to the militia. Accordingly when the members of the
late 4^^ comp, of state artillery commanded by Capt. Pettibone
enrolled themselves (officers & men) and petitioned to be formed
into a militia artillery company & annexed to the 18^^ regiment
and produced a recommendation & request from the Col.
Com^ to that effect, I did not hesitate to issue an order for that
purpose & directed them to be led to a choice of officers But
the measure has since drawn forth a spirited remonstrance from
a large proportion of the commissioned officers of the regiment
— Their objections indeed possess no weight. They only serve
to show the degree of irritation which the subject has awakened
— and the importance of proceeding with caution until some
definite arrangements shall be made by the legislature
I am clearly of opinion our corps of artillery should be in-
creased — and especially near the Sea-coast — There appears
to be no company of that description annexed to the 7^^ regi-
ment and I should suppose every individual in that regiment
would be proud of such an addition to its strength & respect-
ability. — I would therefore recommend a consultation with
the field officers of the regiment & perhaps the captains of
infantry in the vicinity, on the expediency of forming an Artil-
lery company from the one lately under your command — If
on such consultation the Colonel will add his recommendation
31
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
to an enrolment & application of the individuals (the course
usually pursued) I shall with great pleasure issue the necessary
orders for their organization —
I am D*" Sir respectfully your
. , obedient & humble Ser^
Major Jewett —
[Endorsed] To Major Jewett —
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:34]
State of Connecticut
^ , March 28‘M816
General orders —
A board of General officers have reported to the Commander
in chief that in their opinion the following towns should com-
prize one brigade of Infantry pursuant to the “act for forming
and conducting the Military force of this state” to wit —
Hartford, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, East Hartford,
East Windsor, Farmington, Glastenbury, Granby, Simsbury,
Southington, Suffield, Weathersfield, Windsor & Middletown;
which report is under consideration. The Commander in chief
is desirous of obtaining the opinion & advise of the Brigadier
Generals and Acting Lieutenant colonel commandants of In-
fantry within those limits {adding thereto the town of Enfield)
relative to the most expedient method of forming the infantry
therein into four regiments, the number prescribed by the act.
The officers just mentioned will accordingly meet at Ripley’s inn
in Hartford on the [left blank] day of April next at one
’o’clock in the afternoon; and when thus assembled will consti-
tute a board at which the Senior Brigadier General present will
preside. They will confer together upon the subject above re-
ferred to them & report their opinion thereon at as early a day
thereafter as may be convenient —
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present, and to fur-
nish the board with such documents in his hands as may assist
them in forming a result
By order of the Commander in chief —
[Endorsed] General Orders for 1. Brigade — 28^^ March 1816 —
32
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO MOSES HAYDEN
[8:35]
Sharon 25. March 1815
Sir —
By some unaccountable delay your letter of the 7^^ instant is
but this day received —
I confidently hope the legislature at their approaching session
will make an arrangement respecting the late Military Corps that
shall be at once satisfactory to them & to the Militia —
It is very desirable that the state should avail itself of the skill &
experience acquired by that respectable body of troops. Under
this impression I have already organized by advice of the council,
one of the late companies of State Artillery into Militia artillery.
But the measure appears to have produced considerable uneasi-
ness to many officers of the regiment to which it is annexed.
Their objections indeed possess no real weight. They however
serve to show the degree of irritation which the subject has
awakened, & to indicate the importance of proceeding with cau-
tion until some definite provision can be made by the Gen^
Assembly —
The proposition to form your late company into a corps of
riflemen is peculiarly agreeable to me That species of force
is mentioned in the act of congress regarding the militia passed
in 1792 — but our laws seem to have prescribed no mode of
organizing it — Its efficiency has been abundantly demon-
strated during the late war, and there is the highest reason to
believe the legislature will take early measures to incorporate
so valuable an improvement into our military system — I believe
Sir we must wait patiently until the Subject can receive a legis-
lative consideration — That body will undoubtedly be disposed to
do ample justice to the reasonable claims of every class of our
citizens —
With sincere regard I am Sir
your oU & very h™ Ser*^
Capt. Hayden —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Hayden
33
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WILLIAM SHERMAN, JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :36]
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
Goif of the State of Connecticut
Sir
I beg leave to
state to your Excellency that I enlisted in the 2^^ Com^ Gov*'^ Foot
Guards in the spring of the year 1798, and have punctually
served in s'* Company in the capacity of private and non com-
missioned officer untill the present time, making a term of nearly
seventeen years that in March 1810 I was chosen
Clerk of said Company, and that since the late resolve of the
General Assembly augmenting the number of the Company,
which began to take effect at the same time that I was appointed
Clerk, my duties have been peculiarly arduous requiring a much
greater portion of time than has been devoted by any former
Clerk ; and at least double to what is required of either of the
Commissioned, (our worthy Maj"' Comm^ excepted) non Com-
mission, Officers, Musicians or privates in s^ Company, — for
I am not only obliged to attend on all days of training and
inspection, which for the last 5 years have not been upon an
average less than 7 days in a year ; but to attend all meetings of
the Commission Officers and of the Company to make
and keep a true record of all thier proceedings to make out
and call the roll to enroll all recruits and furnish
cirtificates of the same to the Captains of Militia Companies
to report all members for neglect of duty to
distribute notifications of fines and penalties to collect all
fines and taxes — — to settle and pay all accounts of the
Company to render an acc* of the same annually and to
furnish certificates to the Listers of Six different Towns for
the exemption of polls.
I would further state to your Excellency that I have now
(with the exeption of two individuals) become the oldest mem-
ber in s^ Company, all who composed s'* Company at the
time I enlisted, by various means are now exempt from military
34
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
service, except the two heretofore mentioned (one of whom is
the Maj’’ Command) and thier places have been filled by younger
men 7 of whom have passed from the ranks over me to Com-
missions, and I have now arrived to that period of life in which
the duties of my station have ceased to afford that satisfaction
and pleasure which has been hitherto enj oyed ; and inconsequence
of so long a service much additional expence must necesarily be
incurred to renew my Uniform dress, should I be obliged to per-
form my customary duties the ensuing year, which on acc‘ of
having a numerous family of young Children to support I feel
unable to defray. I therefore beg your Excellency to take
my case into consideration and grant me a discharge from mil-
itary service, or if your Excellency should deem it expedient,
delegate to the Chief Officer of s*^ Company the power to do the
S3JT1C
I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most
Ob‘ Serv^
W Sherman Ju^ Clk
2^ Com^ Gov” Foot Guards
(answer^
Sharon 30^^ March 1815
Sir
Agreeably to your desire & the recommendation of Major
Bradley & Capt. Bishop I now enclose your discharge from mil-
itary duty, and am Sir your oU & hm Srt.
J. C. S
M*" W. Sherman JR
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Gov^ of the
State of Connecticut Sharon
[Endorsed] M*" W“ Sherman Jr clerk 2^^ Com. Guards — re-
questing a discharge — granted 30. March 1815
JAMES PECK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:37]
r 7 ^ c V7 17 r City New Haven 4^*' April 1815
JohnC.^mith Esq^
Sir
The object of the present is to request of your Excelency to
35
1128518
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
grant me a discharge from the Seccond Comp^ G. H. Guard® in
which company I hold a Commission as Seccond Liutenant
I have now Sir to state to your Exc^ my reason why I wish a
discharge I have but one but one it is this. That I have lost all
my Military ambition that I ever had (which to me sir is a
searious reason) & to remain longer in the company with these
feelings I am sure would not be for the Honor of the company
or my self either — & Sir I assert to your Exc^ that never was
born to command but to be commaned this realy the case,
that I have no military turn Surely you will consider my case &
grant my discharge, by doing which you will confir a great bess-
ing — on Your Humble Servant
James Peck
P. S.
Sir your answer to this & fixing my destiny I would thank you
to answer soon as you can with convience to your Self
[Superscribed] His Excelency John C Smith Governour State
of Conn Sharon
[Endorsed] Js. Peck 2 Lieut. &c. requesting a discharge 4. April
1815 answer intra
LUTHER PECK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:38]
Hartford April 6. 1815
His Excellency
Gov^ Smith
Sir,
I have done military duty in this state
for about twenty years, & for the last twelve years I have been
a member of the Governours Horse Guards in this town. I have
now the honor to be Cornet in said company —
I am by trade a Blacksmith, & have a wife & three children de-
pendent on my personal labor for support. If I remain in the
company my expences will be so great as to deprive my family
of many conveniences, & I fear necessaries of life
36
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I therefore hope Your Excellency will be good en° to discharge
me from further duty in said company
Your Ex^® obed*^ Servant
Luther Peck
[second page]
Major Buck has requested me to make known to Your Ex-
cellency his wish that this applicant may be dismissed from the
guards. He is really poor, & his family require all his earnings —
In addition to which it may be stated that he drinks in-
temperately. That he is by no means agreeable to his brother
officers. And that his character & standing in society render him
an undesirable member of the company —
Will Your Excellency please to inform us if Peck is
to be discharged in season either for him to be equips for service,
or for the vacancy to be filled before May? —
With great respect
Your Excellency® Obed‘ Serv‘
Jos. Trumbull
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Luther Peck Cornet 1. Com. H. Gu^® resignation
— Accepted 15*^^ April 1815 & same day sent order to Major
Buck
PETITION FROM SECOND COMPANY OF
STATE ARTILLERY
[8 :39]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire Governor of
the State of Connecticut
The Petition of the undersigned members of the Second Com-
pany of State Artillery
Humbly Sheweth,
That in consequence of the happy termination of the War,
between this Country & Great Britain, they are anxious that
said company should be annexed to the seventh Regiment under
the Command of Lieutenant Colonel John Brainerd 2^^
as Militia Artillery, and hereby volunteer their services, for
37
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
that purpose, and request Your Excellency, to take such meas-
ures, as are necessary to effect their reorganization
Dated at Haddam this 12^^ Day of April 1815.
Linus Parmelee, Jr.
Thomas Church
Noah Clark, Jr.
George Kelsey J^
Samuel Kelcey
Roswell Brainerd 2^^
John E Parmelee
Nathan Gladwin
James Kelcey
Ephraim Warner Jr
Revilo Chapman
Simon Knowles
Samuel Church
Henry Richards
Ansel Brainerd, Jr.
Horace Smith
Asa Higgins
SiLVANus Brooks
Alva Shaylor
Isaac R. Sherman
David Church
Dudley Clark
James Church
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JAMES PECK
[8 :40]
Sharon 14*^ April 1815 —
Sir
I have rec"^ your letter of the 4^^ inst. requesting a discharge
from the office of second Lieutenant in the second comp, of
Gov^ Horse guards —
The reason and the only one you assign is a distrust of your
qualifications for command — Your own declaration to this effect
38
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
may and probably does result from that modesty which usually
accompanies merit — and seems to be at variance with the
opinion expressed by your associates in elevating you to office
— With this view of the subject I deem it improper at present
to comply with your request —
I am Sir respectfully your
ob‘ & hm. Ser‘
IVh'jSPECK —
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:41]
Killingworth
April 15^*^ 1815
His Excellency J C Smith
Sir
Some Anxiety exists in the 2^^ company of
State Art. recently under my Command — as It respects their
futur[e] destiny I have supposed that no Desposition of the
State Troops generally would be made untill the meeting of
Legislature this Company are very much averse to going
back into the Malitia — but would much prefer remaining a
Company as might naturally be expected
Will Your Excellency permit me to inquire whither the State
Troops will be considered as remaining under their former of-
ficers untill there has been a General Order Issue^ or whether
they may nozv be considered as liable to be called upon to do
Duty In the Militia without further notice &c
I am very respectfully
Your Excellency’s
OH Serv'
A Bray
P S. Could there not be a Battalion of Artillery — organized
from Connecticut river to New Haven which with the Battalion
— now orgonized at New Haven would complete a Regiment of
Artillery on the Shore
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of
39
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Connecticut Sharon 11 Killingworth April;
[Endorsed] Capt. A. Bray — 15*^ April answ*^ 29^^
LINUS PARMELEE JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:42]
Haddam April 17^^ 1815
Sir,
At the earnest solicitation of the members of the second com-
pany of State Artillery resideing in this place, I have taken the
liberty of enclosing to your Excellency, a petition, drawn up by
them, volunteering their services, as militia artillery and request-
ing that the company to which they belong may be annexed to the
7th Regmt. under the command of Lieut. Col. John Brainerd
2nd
It would have been pleasing to the 2“^ Company, if the Bat-
talion of Artillery had been preserved entire under the command
of a Major: but as the 4th Company has been annexed to the
18^^ & the 1®* about to be attached to the 7th Regiment, they also
feel anxious to be secured the privilege of performing militia
duty as artillery. The company was raised within the local limits
of the 7^^ Regement, and can with more convenience be annexed
to that, than any other Regmt. in the State. There exists a pe-
culiar anxiety among the members of the Company, not to be
disbanded, but to be permitted to do duty in the manner, in which
for more than two years past they have been accustomed. Hav-
ing acquired some knowlede of their duty as artillerists, they
cannot but think, that in that capacity, they shall be more useful
to the State, than in any other of a military nature, and are will-
ing to submit to some inconveniences incident to their local situ-
ation, rather than be disbanded, & consequently liable to be called
into the militia companies from which some of them were en-
listed. If any company can claim this privilege in consequence
of services rendered the State during the late war, I believe that
I do not hazard any thing in zaying[sic], that the claims of the
second Company of Artillery are as great as any company in the
State —
It is apprehended that there will be no objections on the part of
40
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the officers of the 7th Regmt. I have conversed with Colonel
Brainerd, Maj. Shipman and a number of other officers of the
regmt, who are all united in saying that they shall consider the
2°*^ Comp^ of Artillery as a valuable acquisition to the regiment.
I should have forwarded to your Excellency a line from Col.
Brainerd signifying his entire approbation that the comp^ should
be annexed to his Regmt. but he is now at New Haven —
A similar application will I understand be forwarded to your
Excellency from that part of the 2^^ Company residing in [the]
town of Killingworth
I am very respectfully
Your Excellencies
Obdt. Servt
Linus Parmelee, Jr.
His Excellency Govenor Smith
Sharon
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith, Esqr
Govenor of the State of Connecticut Sharon
[Endorsed] Linus Parmelee J*" 17. April 1815 — answ*^ 22°^
Application, artillery —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO LINUS PARMELEE, JR
[8:42A]
Sharon 22. April 1815 —
I have received your letter of the instant with its en-
closure —
A decision on the application will of course be postponed until
the communication from Killingworth to which you refer shall
have come to hand —
L. Parmelee J^ Esq""
I am Sir with much
regard your o* & hm. seP
ANDREW KINGSBURY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:43]
Treasury office Hartford April 24^^ 1815
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^
41
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sir
I have paid of the debts of
due to the Eagle Bank
Phoenix d°
Hartford d°
And part of 50,000 d° d°
the State
25000,
7000,
10,000
25000
$67,000,,
have also avanced to Jared Scarborough Esq^ Q M General
(without your Excellencys draft) Two thousand Dollars for use
of his department and feel confident that all demands on the
Treasury before the June Tax falls due can be paid I have
renewed part of the 50,000 Dollar note for 70 days from the
10*^^ Instant believing the same may be paid by that time out of
the avails of the June Tax
I am Sir with due respect your
Excellencys most obedient and
humble serv’^ A Kingsbury
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq""
Sharon
[Endorsed] Treasurer Kingsbury 24. April 1815
TIMOTHY MITCHEL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:44]
Washington May4‘^ 1815
Sir The Barrer Cap^ Nahaniel Ferrand having applied to me
for a recommendation for a Discharge to Brigadier Ge^ Garret
Smith I gave him one he Didnot Discharge him on the ac-
count of the General Order he is the one that their was
some Dispute of getting his pay when Called into service the
Last year I Believe that it was generally thought it was Best
to wink at it pay him and Let it go — I Do therefore think it
would be for good the C° and for Military if your honour should
Discharge him Washington Generally think So altho
he is a very Clever Man 1 an [sic] Sir your obedient &
humble Servt
42
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Timothy Mitchel Lieut
Co' 29^^ Reg‘
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
Cap*^ General In
& Over the State of Connecticut
DANIEL B. BRINSMAID TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:45]
Washington May 8"" 1815
Sir Cap'^ Nathaniel Farrand has been to Gen' Smith for a
discharge he says he cannot give him one. I believe it would
benefit the company to have him discharged he wished me to
write a line to your Excellency stating my opinion — His Lieu'^
is a very prompt officer — my father says he inform^ you of
many particulars about Cap'^ Farrand which is not necessary for
me to mention — I am in haste your
Excellencys humb' Ser'^
Dan^ B. Brinsmaid
His ExceE John C Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Hartford
THOMAS HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:46]
Middletown 9^'' May 1815.
To
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Sir/
The period for which
the State Troops were enlisted having expired, being desirous
of a discharge from military duty, I beg leave to tender my resig-
nation of the Commission I hold as Captain of the 3^"^ Troop of
Cavalry
Should the Troops be reorganised in any form, presuming
the present Lieutenants will be advanced, I take the liberty of
43
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
naming Parsons Coe a Serg* in 3*^ Troop as a very suitable
person for a Commissioned Officer.
Respectfully
Your ob^ Serv^
Thomas Hubbard
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Hartford S. T. Hosmer Esqr :
[Endorsed] Captain T. Hubbard — •
GARRIT SMITH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:47]
Watertown May 1815
May it please your Excellency
Since the receipt of your general Order of the 20^^ last
June upon the subject of discharges from military duty I have
conformed my practice to it & but two discharges have been
granted by me this season.
I have had a few aplications of such a nature as seem to demand
some consideration, although not within the limits of your Ex-
cellencies order, and at the particular request of the aplicants I
take the liberty to state thier case to you.
the first is of the Captain commanding the Company 26^^
Regiment a worthy good man & equal to his office but
possessed of very little property, with a numerous & increasing
Family and is under the necessity of assisting his Aged father
and cannot with justice to his Family expend the money his
office requires.
the second case is of the Lieutenant 4*^ Company same
Regiment there is a disagreement between the Captain
Ensign & Lieutenant and between the Lieutenant & the Corps
he is also unfortunate in some of his habits, and it seems
somewhat necessary that some change should be made to restore
harmony to the Company.
the third case is of the Ensign belonging to the Lt Infantry
Company 16^^ Regiment the Colonel writes that the
Ensign is in indigent circumstances — has a sickly wife &
44
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
several small children dependant upon him alone, and that he
cannot support his Station unless he with-holds from his helpless
Family thier scanty subsistance.
should your Excellency think proper in these cases to grant a
dispensation from the general rule, and can find leasure from the
press of more weighty affairs to Honour me with an answer
by the mail which will close next Tuesday evening, I will grant
the discharges and issue orders directing a new nomination in
time to have those who may be chosen commissioned at the
approaching session of the Legislature.
with the highest respect your Excellencies
most obedient & very.humble servant
Garrit Smith Brig"' Geff
Brigade
[Superscribed] To his Excellency John C Smith Esquire Gov-
ernor of the State of Connecticut Hartford p favour Judge
Whiting
[Endorsed] Genl. G. Smith 9. May 1815 de dismission of cer-
tain officers Answ. intre —
PETITION EROM KILLINGWORTH
[8:48]
His Excellency John C Smith
Governor & Captain General of
the State of Connecticut
The Undersigned members of the late 2°*^ Company of State
Artillery Respectfully represent to Your Excellency, that the
time of service for which Said Company were enlisted having
expired by the happy termination of the war, they will again
be called upon to do Militia Duty After having been at
great expence In providing the Equipage & Uniform presented
by Law — & after having bestowed much time & Attention In
acquainting themselves with the duty & excerise of Artillery,
they Earnestly solicit of Your Excellency that they may remain
and do Duty In the Militia as Artillerists they
also represent to Your Excellency, that such is their local situ-
ation, that It is attended with great Inconvenience and is
45
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
almost Impracticable for them to do the ordinary Duty of Militia
without a different arrangement In the Local Situation In
Company That about 24 of the Company reside In
the Town of Haddam a distance of 20 miles from the Usual
place of parade of said Company — the roads bad & over an
uneaven & ruff Country that the Attendance of that division
of the Company residing In Haddam — at Killingworth or those
at Killingworth — East Guilford & West-Brook Attending
at Haddam is attended with a most burdensome Expence — An
Expence not Less than 4 Dollars for each man on Each Day of Ex-
ercise a greater sum than by Law they would be liable to pay for
neglect of Duty another Serious difficulty Exists in the
frequent removal of the Ordnance so great a Distance & over a
Ruff & uneaven Country & bad roads which could not be done
for a Less Expence than 10 or 15 Dollars on each accasion of the
meeting of said company — and would soon prove ruinous to the
Mountings & Harness of the Ordinance — It is also found Im-
practicable to have that dicipline & opportunity for Improvement
In a Company where the Members are at so great a distance
from each other & on Sudden Emergencies can In no
way be assembled
Wherefore the undersigned pray Your Excellency to cause the
following arrangment to be Made — agreable to the Several
Petitions accompanying this Viz — that, that division of
the Company residing In the Town of Haddam may be formed
Into a separate Company to consist of Members sufficient to
Exercise & man one Piece of Ordinance & attached to the 7^^
Reg^ and that the other division residing In the Town of
Killingworth Societies of West-Brook & East-Guilford — might
be Reorganized Into an Artillery Company with such additions
as Your Excellency may deem proper
Killingworth
May 10^^ 1815
Amaziah Bray
Ely a Elliott
John E Bray
Henry Wilcox
46
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Isaac Redfield
Nath^ Wright
Reuben E Hinkley
Nath^ Stevens
Philip Hill
Joseph Hull
Abraham G Hill
Grarad Mills
Henry Denison
Zina Denison
Daniel B Wright
John Chalker
Jedediah Kelsey 2^
Eli Graves
John Pierson
Samuel Dibbell
Jedediah Buell Jr
[Endorsed] Representation from Killingworth —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GARRIT SMITH
[8 :49]
Hartford May 13. 1815
Sir
I have received your letter of the 9^^ instant. The cases to which
you refer I submit entirly to your discretion, feeling as I do a
perfect confidence in your prudence & judgment. You will
therefore grant or refuse discharges to the officers you mention
as shall appear to you advisable
Capt. Farrand of the artillery has applied to me for a discharge.
The reasons assigned by his friends are somewhat peculiar but in
my viw wholly satisfactory — You will be pleased to dismiss him
accordingly & issue the necessary orders to fill the vacancy —
I am D^ Sir
Gen^ G. Smith
47
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GENERAL ORDERS
[8 :50]
State of Connecticut
General Orders
Hartford 13. May 1815
A General Court Martial, of which Lieut. Col. Com^ Elisha
Hall is President was held at New Haven on the 24^^ & 25^^ days
of February last by order of the Brig*^ General of the 2^^ Brigade
for the trial of Isaac Benton Quarter Master of the 2^^ Reg* of
Cavalry under arrest upon four distinct charges of disobedience
to the orders of his commandant — The Prisoner was fully
heard in his defence — The court on due consideration acquitted
him of the Second charge, but pronounced him guilty of the
first third & fourth charges & therefore Sentenced him to be
reprimanded —
The Captain General having examined and Maturely con-
sidered the whole record Approves the Sentence of the court;
and to carry the same into effect directs that at the next regular
meeting of the commissioned & staff officers of the Second
regiment of Cavalry, at which meeting the accused is particu-
larly injoined to be present, the Lieut-Col. Com* of the said
regiment shall in presence of the officers when thus assembled
reprimand the said Q. M. Benton for his disobedience in the
several instances of which he stands convicted as aforesaid —
and shall report the execution of this order to the Brigadier
General of the 2“^ brigade who will make return the same to
the office of the Adjutant General —
The Gen* court martial &c. is hereby dissolved —
[Endorsed] Gen* orders — Court Martial 2. Brigade — case
of Q. M. Benton 13. May 1815 —
LUTHER BRADLEY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:51]
New Haven May 14 1815
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Sir I would again solisit my discharge as Com-
mandant of the 2^ Company of Govenors Foot Guardes and
48
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
inform your Excellency that I have be[e]n a member and done
duty in Company Twenty two years, and served Ten —
Years as a Commishoned officer, and have had the Honor to
command the Company Five years and under its presant organ-
ization I believe the intrist of the Company Requires more
frequent Changes in their Commanders I tharefore beg leave
to Tender your Excellency my Resignation
Very Respectfully
your Excellencys Ob‘ Srv^
Luther Bradley
P. S it is hoped your Excellency will direct a Choice of
officers as may be Vacated so as they Can be Commishoned
the present Sesion —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Hartford —
[Endorsed] Major L. Bradley’s Resignation — accepted 15.
May 1815 — order issued same day —
PETITION OF THIRD AND NINTH COMPANIES
[8:52]
To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire
Captain General of the State of Connecticut
The Petition and Representation of the Officers of the third
and ninth Companies in the 12th Regiment of militia humbly
shewith That there was formerly established two infantry
Companies within the Limits of the first Ecclesiastical society
of Hebron, from which Companies a part of a Company of
Cavalry a considerable part of a Company of Artillery and a
part of a Company of State Troops have from time to time, been
enlisted and formed and many others have removed out of the
limits of said Companies by which means the aforesaid infantry
Companies have been greatly diminished in point of number —
so that, in the Third Company, there is not more than twenty,
nor in the Ninth Company, more than Thirty effective privates,
that can be mustered on days of Exercise. By means of this
reduced state of the Companies, they cannot be posted and
exercised in that manner, which the Law requires nor can that
49
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
order and ambition which is indispensable be excited or grati-
fied—
Your Petitioners would further suggest to your Excellency,
that the aforesaid Ecclesiastical society is so located that the
aforesaid infantry Companies can be consolidated and meet to-
gether, without injury or inconvenience and in our opinion as
the said Companies have an identity of Interest and a similarity
of views, a consolodation would be productive of essential bene-
fit to each and to the public
Wherefore your Petitioners pray your Excellency to reduce said
Companies and constitute them one infantry Company as the in-
terests of the Militia may require and your Excellency think
proper
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Hebron May 15th — 1815
David B. Carver Cap* 9**^ Co
Pierce Darrow Cap* j
Levi Collins Lieu* 3^ Co
Frederic Phelps Ensign )
Joel Jones 2^ Ensign
Ralph Gilbert
Reuben Godfrey Jun
Henry J. Phelps
Nathan Smith 2nd
Jonathan Hamilton
Benjamin Taylor
Levi Waldo
} 9‘>‘ Co
) Sargents 3** Co
Sergents 9*^ Co
I hereby certify that the foregoing Petition meets my entire
approbation and believe the granting of sd Petition will promote
the interest of the militia in general and of the aforesaid Com-
panies in particular
Hebron 15th May 1815 Cornelius Shepard Lie*“* Col
12. Rg* of Connecticut Militia
[Endorsed] Petition of 3rd & 9th Companies of Militia
50
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
WILLIAM C. BULL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:53]
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain
General&c. &c
Sir
At the first organization of the State Corps your Excellency
was pleased to honor me with a Commission of first Lieutenant
in the first Company of Artillery, & after the promotion of
Captain Jewett, I was further honored with a Captain’s com-
mission in the same Company — At the choice of officers on
the annexation of said Company to the Seventh Regiment of
Militia I was wholly neglected by said Company, & nominated
to no office in it — The reason of this neglect I am unable to
state — In the whole course of my connection with the Company
I have endeavoured to be useful to it & to my Country, & have
never intentionally misused a member of it, or shrunk from
duty — It seems however that I have failed to secure that
popularity necessary to an election to any Office in it ; and as I
cannot suppose that your Excellency wishes me to degrade my-
self in my own eyes or those of others, I pray your Excellency
to give me a discharge from further military Service
A favor so reasonable & at the same time so important will
be gratefully rec'^ by
Your Ex^s Obedient Serv'^
His Excys John C Smith &c C Bull
Saybrook May 15th 1815 —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq/
Gov. &c. &c. Hartford
[Endorsed] Capt. W. C. Bull praying for a discharge — granted
20. May 1815
ISAAC PERKINS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:54]
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Capt. Gen^
Sir:
The Comp, of Regt. of Cavalry when assembled for
51
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
exercise &c. on the first Monday of May Inst, desired me by
vote to request your Excellency to convert them into Flying
Artillery. Thus finding the wishes of the Comp, both officers
& privates to correspond with my own I have the honor to
request your Excellency to designate & detach this, as one of
the four companies of Flying Artillery authorized by law.
Should your Excellency think proper to comply with the
Company, s request I assure your Excellency no pains shall be
spared on my part to render the company a proof of the utility
of the corps.
I am respectfully your Excellency
Humble Servant
Hartford May 17*^ 1815 Isaac Perkins Cap^ 1 Comp 1 Rg*
Cavalry
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq’’
(Present)
[Endorsed] Application of the 1. Comp. 1. Reg^ of Cavalry to
be organized into Horse Artillery — rec^ 18. May 1815
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO LUTHER BRADLEY
[8:55]
Hartford 15. May 1815
Sir
You will perceive by the enclosed that I have complied with
your request —
trust
I cannot however allow you to resign a command you have
so honourably discharged without expressing the high sense I
entertain of your superior merit as an officer & my particular
thanks for your undefatigable & successful exertion in raising
the 2^ company of G. F. Guards to its present state of excellence
both in appearance & discipline —
With the warmest wishes for your prosperity I am D’’
Sir your o^ & hm Ser*^ —
Major Bradley —
52
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO LUTHER BRADLEY
[8:56]
To Major Luther Bradley Cow} of 2°*^ Comp, of Gov,s
Foot Guards —
Sir
Having thought proper to accept your resignation as Com^
of the 2°^ Co. Gov. Foot Guards after another shall have been
chosen & commissioned in your stead, I hereby direct that you
cause due notice to be given the comp, to meet at such time &
place as you shall designate — & when assembled that you lead
them to the choice of a suitable person for their Commandant
& also to fill any other vacancy which may happen in conse-
quence of such choice & that you make due return to the Hon.
the Gen^ Assembly —
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:57]
Gen' orders
Hartford 15. May 1815
A General Court Martial, of which L'^ Col. John Brainerd 2°^
is president, was held at N. Haven on the 17^ & IS''^ days of
april last by order of the B. Gen' of the 2°*^ brigade for the
trial of N'^ Clark capt. of the 1. comp, in the 32“^ Reg^ infantry,
charged with various instances of unofficerlike conduct — The
court on a full hearing of the case unanimously decided that
the prisoner is not guilty of all the charges exhibited against
him and that he be honourably acquited — The Capt. Gen'
approved the sentence and accordingly directs that Capt. Clark
be released from his arrest —
The Gen' Court Martial whereof L^ Col. John Brainerd 2°^
is pres*^ is hereby dissolved —
[Endorsed] Gen' orders on Court Martial Rough draught —
2. Brigade — case of Capt. Clark
53
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PETITION FROM HEBRON
[8:58]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Captain General of the Militia in
the State of Connecticut
Understanding that an application is about to be made to your
Excellency to unite the 9*^^ and 3'’'^ Companies in the 12*^^ Regi-
ment of Militia the underwritten Officers and Soldiers of s*^
9^^ Company beg leave to remonstrate against the Proceedure
and to express to your Excellency our decided opinion that the
proposed union will be injurious to s*^ Companies we therefore
humbly request Your Excellency to reject Said application and
to permit us to enjoy our accustomed privileges
Hebron May 20, 1815
This may certify that when I
sined the Petion in favour uniting
the 3^*^ and 9 Companys I had not
Consulted my officers I find that
a Large number are against it
David P. Carver Cap*
Thaddeus Porter Lieut
Jonathan Hamilton Serg
Benjamin Taylor Serg
IsAACK Latham Serg
Levi Waldo Serj
Ira Johnson Corpreal
Amos Crouch
Stephen Foot
Erastus Foot
Peregrine Miner
William Ingram
Barak Niles
David Niles
Henry Jones
Joseph White J""
David North um
54
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Erastus Daniels
Alpheus Phelps
Timothy Jones
Ralph Gillet
Dan Jones
Gasper Welcher
John Morrisson
Daniel Burrows Jun*"
Obadiah White 2"*^
Gilbert Burrows
David Tarbox J°
ICHABOD WaTROUS
Samuel Edgcomb
Elisha Wheeler
George Phelps
Ira Marvin
Clark Elliott
Silas Burrows
Almerin Barnes
PETITION FROM NORTH MILFORD
[8:59]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq"" Captain
General of the State of Connecticut.
The Petiton of the subscribers, Inhabitants of the Northern
part of the Town of Milford, in the County of Newhaven, re-
spectfully sheweth. That there are in Town, two Companies
of Militia and one of Grenadiers, that according to the present
division of the Town, persons liable to do military duty, resid-
ing in the Society of North Milford, in a remote part of the
Town, are subjected to the inconvenience of traveling the dis-
tance of Six or seven miles on all Military days. The subscribers
think that no inconvenience would arise from a different ar-
rangement with respect to the local limits of Companies.
But that the public service would coincide with the accomoda-
tions of individuals.
55
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
They therefore pray your Excellency to direct, that some proper
Officer inquire into the state of the facts, and that on his report
your Excellency would grant such relief as the nature of the
case may require.
Lyman Mallory
[Endorsed] North Milford Petition Rec^ 20^^ May 1815
To his Excellency
Sir, the situation of this Society, and more particularly that of
the subscribers, render it necessary that something should be
done immediately. And as your Excellency has recommended
raising artillery, it is our request that a company may be granted
in this Society
Your Humble Servant Nathan Merwin 2^
Subscribers Names
Richard Bryan
Darius Ford
Alfred Fenn
Nathan Oviatt J*"
Sam^^ Treat
Orrian Treat
P Fenn
Fowler Fenn
Aaron Hine
Joseph Prudden
Abel Peck
Ira Parker
Joseph Pardee J"*
John Bryan J**
Jesse Hodge
David Nettleton
Sam^^ Potter
Sam^^ Prudden J**
Peter Prudden
Aaron Clark J^
Alpheus Clark
North Milford May 20 1815
JiREH Treat
Sam^^ Stone J"*
Sam^^ Buckingham
Stone
Mark Mallory
Ira Clark
Almond Clark
Benjamin Clark
Hervey Law
Wilson Bennet
Abram Hine
John Treat
Nathan Clark 2^
Amos Smith
James S Downey
Erastus Sperry
Selah Clark
Petitioners
Luke Clark
Sam^^ Buckingham
Nathan Merwin 2^
Nathan Hall
56
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
PAYMASTER’S ACCOUNT
[8:60]
The State of Connecticut, for the pay of Troops called into
the service of the United States, In account with Hezekiah God-
dard Pay Master General
Debtor
N° 1 to 17 To Abstract of pay and subsistence of
18 to 21
sundry detachments of Troops as Coast
Guards, from 28^^ April 1814 to
October 31, 1814 —
Stationed from Stonington to Bridge-
port 12,285.72
To ditto ... d° Brig Gen* Isham & Staff
at New London from 9^*^ to 27‘*" August
1814 314.75
22 “ 31
To ditto Lieut. CoP William Moore 4‘*^
32 “ 40
Com<*^ of 3** Reg* from 9 to 27 August d° 2,789.77
To ditto Lieut. CoP William Belcher
41 “ 52
[Com"* of] 8**^ Reg* from 9 to 27
August d° 2,473. 5
To ditto Lieut. CoP Freeman Tracy
[Com"* of] 20**^ Reg* from 9 to 23
August d° 3,157.67
53 61
To ditto Lieut. CoP W“ Randall
62 70
[Com"* of] 30**^ Reg* from 9 to 27
August d° 2,619.32
To ditto Lieut. CoP Asa Comstock
71 “ 76
[Com"* of] 33" Reg* from 15 to 25
August d° 1,604.33
To ditto Maj. Gen* Augustine Taylor &
suite, pay &c 16**" August to 8**^ Novem-
ber 1814 1,650.37
77 “ 80
To ditto Brig. Gen* Lusk, for ditto New
London, 18 August to 8**^ Novem"" 1814 776.84
81 “ 91
To ditto Lieut. CoP Ezra Brainerd
Com"* of detachments from P* Division,
called the P* Regt at New London from
57
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
18 August to 29*^^ October 1814
24,297.89
92
98
To ditto Lieut. Col. Elihu Sanford,
Com*^^ of detachments from State Corps
called the 2^ Reg* a* New Haven 8 Sep
tem"” to 23 October 1814
7,965.45
99 “
105
To ditto Lieut. Col° Belcher
Com"** of detachments from 3^ Division
called the 3** Reg* at Groton, 23^ August
to 29**^ October 1814
6,333. 9
106 "
' 136
To ditto Sundry detachments as Coast
Guards from Stonington to Fairfield
from 6**" Septem 1814 to 10**" March
1815
15,681.82
To ditto mustering various detachments,
and pay &c. to Aid de Camp of His
ExelL the Capt. Gen* while employed
in public service
To paid bills for printing blanks for
421.24
Muster, Pay & Receipt Rolls, & for Sub-
sistence blanks. Stationary, postage
and other incidental expences
126.11
42
To Commissions on $82,497. 100 a*
lj4 per cent
1,237.45
1815
83,734.87
May 19
To bah® in my favor on the Acc*® of Pay
for Service of Troops in 1813
357.98
Dollars
84,092.85
May 20
To Balance of above Acco* due H. Goddard 92.85
Creditor
1814
April
28
By Controllers Order on the Treasurer
1,000.00
May 26
By ditto
2,000.00
July 22
By ditto
2,000.00
Augt 20
By ditto
2,000.00
a
26
By ditto
10,000.00
58
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
SepE 5
By
. ditto
5,000.00
“ 15
By
. ditto
8,000.00
October 17
By
. ditto
41,000.00
Novem’’ 10
By
. ditto
2,000.00
u u
By
. ditto
5,000.00
Decern^ 6
By
. ditto
3,000.00
1815
Feby 8
By
. ditto
1,000.00
March 8
By
. ditto
2,000.00
May 20'^
84,000.00
By balance due H. Goddard carried to
debit of
Errors Excepted
n/a
92.85
Dollars 84,092.85
Hartford May 20'*^ 1815
Hez. Goddard Pay Master Genl
[endorsed] Copy of Hez. Goddard’s Acc^ as Pay M Gen^ for
the year 1814, settled May 20^^, 1815.
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:61]
Killingworth
May 22"^^ 1815
Governor Smith
Sir
In pursuance of your Directions, I calP on Col.
Brainard on Saturday — who cheerfully signed our application
as you will perceive — there has been 13 or 14 added to the
application this Day which leaves but a small number wanting
to complete the Company — & as all doubt is removed as It
regards the practicability of obtaining the necessary compliment
of men. It has been thought expedient & advisable to forward
the papers to your Excellency — as soon as possable — In order
that the company may be organiz*^ — & Returns made to your
Excellency before the present session of the Legislature is
59
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
through — for this purpose I have sent Lieut. Elliott with the
application
Col. Brainard will very readily attend to the orders of your
Excellency, I believe he would prefer doing the business himself
rather than have It sent to his Majors — he will not complain of
Burden —
I think there can be no Doubt but that the full number re-
quired will be obtained this week —
we have thus far found It unnecessary to make but very slight
encroachment on the Malitia — 5 is the greatest number taken
from any one Roll &c —
I am very respectfully
Your Excellency, s
Ob' Serv'
A Bray
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of
Connecticut Hartford
PETITION FROM HADDAM
[8:62]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire Governour
of the State of Connecticut
The Petition of the undersigned members of the late second
company of State Artillery residing in Haddam
Humbly Sheweth
That for more than two years past they have performed
militia duty in s^ Company & have acquired some knowledge
of the Exercise of Artillery. — That they have at a considerable
expence equiped themselves & are solicitous to continue to do
militia duty in the capacity of Artillerists — That it will be
attended with some inconveniences & disadvantages to have the
company to which they belonged formerly, reorganized & located
at Killingworth — They are therefore induced to request your
Excellency to reorganize them into a company of Militia Ar-
tillery & to permit that such a number may by enlistment be
added to their present as your Excellency shall direct and that
60
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the company may be annexed to the seventh Regiment under
the command of Lieut. Col. John Brainard [ ]n*^ and as in duty
bound they will ever pray.
Dated at Haddam this 22^^ day of May 1815.
Linus Parmelee, Jr.
Thomas Church J*’
Samuel Kelcey
James Kelcey
John E Parmelee
Alvau Shaylor
Isaac R. Sherman
Dudley Clark
Samuel Church
James Church
David Church
Asa Higgins
Noah Clark, Jr.
Horace Smith
Simon Knowles
Revilo Chapman
Tim® Brainerd
SiLVANus Brooks
Heman Brainard
Henry Richards
Nathan Gladwin
Roswell Brainerd
Ansel Brainerd
Leonard Knowles
Ephraim Warner
George Kelcey Jr
We the subscribers being of opinion that the organization of
a Company of Artillery in the Town of Haddam, to consist of
the members of the late 2°^ Company of State Artillery resid-
ing in said Town, & such others as may be enlisted, will be
of public importance; & believing that the requisite additional
number of men may be enlisted without any material injury
to the militia companies in s*^ Town, very cheerfully recommend
61
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
that the preceding application be granted — Haddam May 22“^
1815 — John Brainerd 2^^ Lieut Col 7th Regt
Oliver Wells
[Endorsed] Linus Parmelee & application — Artillery —
REMONSTRANCE FROM CART. D. T. CARVER
AND OTHERS
[8:63]
The following persons live within the limits of the 9^*^ Com-
pany 12*^*^ Regt. Militia and are liable to duty therein viz —
These persons
have not had an
opportunity of
signing the
remonstrance
but are believed
to be opposed to
the union of the
companies
Ensign Jones
is out of town
We have 2 Corporals
only in the Company
who declined
signing the remons
trance because they are
strangers in town &
expect to leave it in
the course of the year
[Endorsed] Capt D T Carvers &c Remonstrance
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BRAINERD 2^^
[8:64]
To John Brainerd 2“^ Esquire Lieutenant
62
W“ Porter
Asahel Porter
Corporal
Amos Porter
Godfrey Tarbox Jr
W"^ Phelps
Geo’ Saunders
Dudley Birge
Caleb Root Jr
Guy Wheets
Richard Cramer Jr
Nathan F Taylor
Aaron House
Ezekiel Fuller
Amasa Braun Jr
Darius Braun
Rider
Green
May 22'^ . 1815
Thaddeus Porter Lieut.
}
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Colonel Commandant of the 7*^^ regiment in the
Second Brigade of Connecticut Militia —
Sir
Pursuant to your recommendation, I have thought proper to
form Amaziah Bray Esquire & his associates (a list of whom
he will deliver to you) into a company of Militia Artillery, to
annex them to the regiment under your command and to allow
them the uniform and equipments of the Artillery of the late
State Corps until further orders — You are therefore herby
required to cause legal notice to be given the applicants to meet
at such time & place as you shall designate for the purpose &
when so met you will lead them to the choice of such commis-
sioned and non-commissioned officers as shall be necessary to
organize the company according to law, & make return of the
choice of commissioned officers to the Honourable the General
Assembly —
Given under my hand at Hartford the 24^^ day of May AD
1815 —
John Cotton Smith
Capt. General
[Superscribed] Col. John Brainerd 2"*^ — Haddam —
In Pursuance of the within Order I gave Legal Notice to
Amaziah Bray Esq & his Associates to meet at Killingworth
on the 29^^ Day of May 1815 for the purpose within mentioned
and when so met I led them to the Choice of Officers and they
made Choice of the following Persons Viz
Amaziah Bray Cap^
Ely A Elliott Lieut
Nathaniel Wright 2°"^ D°
Philip Hill D°
Dated Killingworth May 29^^ AD 1815
John Brainard 2"*^ Lieffi
Col Comd' 7'^ Reg'
Connecticut Militia
His Excellency John C Smith
Captain General of the State
of Connecticut —
63
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:65]
State of Connecticut
General Orders
Hartford May 24^^ AD 1815
At a General court martial for the Sixth Brigade, of which
Lieutenant Colonel Hurlbut of the 25*^^ regiment of Infantry is
President, was tried Captain William Beebe of the Company
in the regiment, charged with wilful disobedience of orders
and with unofficerlike and mutinous conduct —
The Prisoner pleaded not guilty and was heard at large in
his defence —
The court on full consideration pronounced the said Captain
William Beebe guilty of “wilful disobedience of orders and
neglect of duty and of unofficerlike and mutinous conduct”, and
thereupon sentenced the said Captain William Beebe “to be
Suspended from his rank & office of Captain for the term of
twelve months from the date of the approval of the sentence
by the Capt. General” —
The Captain General approves the sentence of the Court,
and accordingly directs that Capt. William Beebe be Suspended
from the command of the first company in the regiment
for the term of twelve months from the date of the present
order —
The Geffi court martial whereof Lieut. Col. Hurlbut is Presi-
dent is hereby dissolved
[Endorsed] Geffi orders in the case of Capt. W“ Beebe 17.
Reg^ -
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:66]
Cases before the General Court Martial for the
Sixth Brigade — in which General orders were
issued — Officers of 17‘^ reg* Infantry —
64
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Date of orders
1815
May24^'^
1. Comp.
Sentences Approved —
Suspension 12 months
Sentence executed
Pardoned June 14^^
Capt. W“ Beebe —
Lieut. Steph. Russell —
— 9 D°
3. Comp.
Capt. Jere. Holt
o
Q
1
o
Q
Do _ 5th
Lieut. Benoni Johnson
Reprimand .
D°-15*'^
Ens"" Rob* H. Austin —
D° —
D° - 16*^^
4 Comp.
Capt. Elisha Loomis
Suspension 6 months
Do _ 5 th
Lieut. Warren Loomis
Reprimand
D^-IS*'^
Ens" Reuben Loomis —
D°
Do _ 15th
5 Comp.
Capt. John T. Mansfield Suspension 6 months
Do _ 5th June
Lieut. William Hall —
D° — D°
D^-IS*'^
Ens“ Henry Whittelsey
Reprimand
D° - 16**^
6. Comp.
Capt. Zimri Skinner
Suspension 6 months
D° - June
Lieut. Marvin Griswold
Reprimand
D^-IS**^
Ens° Champion Scovell
D° —
D° - 16*^^
7 Comp.
Capt. Uriel Tuttle —
Suspension 6 months
D° -3^^ June
Lieut. Chester Loomis
Reprimand
Ens“ Luther Cook
D°
D^-IS*'^
8 Comp.
Capt. Daniel Hall
Suspension 6 months
Do - 5th June
Lieut. Julius Griswold
— 9. D°
Ens“ Sam' W right
Reprimand
D°-15*'^
In Gen^ orders in the cases of Capt. U. Tuttle & Lieutenant
Stephen Russell reasons were assigned for granting a remission
of the punishment — In the other orders reference was had to
those reasons — Orders sent to the Adjutant Genl. enclosed 16’^'^
June —
[Endorsed] General orders in 20 cases before a court martial
6. Brigade —
65
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JONATHAN H. SPARHAWK
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:67]
To his excellency John Cotton Smith
May it please your excellency
At the request of Samuel P. Waldo Esq"' I take
the liberty to make this short statement respecting his health.
M'‘ Waldo has occasionally consulted me as a physician for
some years past, in consequence of affection of the chest, &
hemorrhage from the lungs, to which complaint he appears to
be constitutionally predisposed.
It appears to me, from his constant liability to these complaints,
that the severe exercise & great exposure attending active mili-
tary service might endanger a recurrence of these serious mal-
adies
Very respectfully I am your excellency’s obedient servant
JoN^ H. Sparhawk
Hartford May 1815
[Endorsed] S. P. Waldo Esq^ application for a discharge from
Military duty Doc'' J. H. Sparhawk’s Statement
Granted 27. May 1815
GARRIT SMITH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:68]
Watertown May 27^^ 1815
T 0 the Captain General
May it please your Excellency
It was not my intention to have troubled you again about Military
affairs, but both gratitude and duty to those who have served me
with fidelity, demand that I should interest myself in thier behalf.
M'' Orlando Porter is now Brigade Major and Inspector & M''
James M L Scovill Brigade Quarter-master of the 8^^ Brigade
they have served a number of years having formed part of the
Staff of the 26*^ Regiment when it was under my command &
thier conduct has ever been Officerlike & Gentlemanly.
as further alterations will undoubtedly take place in the Of-
66
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
ficers of the Brigade, thier continuance in the Staff would
be unpleasant to them, and it is at thier request that I have
to ask of your Excellency thier discharge.
should you grant my request it would further oblige me if the
papers could be sent by Major Woodruff of Litchfield, or by
mail very respectfully your Excellencies very hum' servt
Garrit Smith
[Superscribed] To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Governor of the State of Connecticut Hartford
[Endorsed] Garrit Smith 27. May. 1815 de discharges to Major
Porter & Q. M. Scovill — granted 30. May —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO AMAZIAH BRAY
[8:69]
Hartford 31. May 1815
Sir
Since the order issued to Col. Brainard for leading yourself
& associates to a choice of officers it has been discovered that a
part of the men enrolled live without the limits of the 7^^ regiment
This is irregular — Had it been perceived their names
would have been excluded — No one is in fault as it was un-
questionably a mere mistake — Unfortunately however the re-
turn cannot be received nor commissions granted the present
session — The law, I would further observe, allows but two
lieutenants to a company of artillery — The Colonel has returned
a choice of three — On both these grounds therefore I have
found it necessary to issue a new order returnable to the next
session of Assembly — Presuming you will readily Supply by
the approbation of the colonel the places of those excluded with-
out prejudice to the militia I enclose the order to be delivered to
Colonel Brainerd when convenient — I regret the delay thus oc-
casioned but it seems unavoidable —
I am D'’ Sir your ob‘ SeP
[Endorsed] To Capt. Bray — note with orders to Col. Brainerd
which were taken back —
67
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BRAINERD
[8:70]
T o John Brainerd 2“^ Esquire Lieutenant
Colonel Commandant of the 7^^ regiment in the
Second brigade of Connecticut militia —
Sir
Pursuant to your recommendation I have thought proper
to form Amaziah Bray Esquire and his associates (a list of whom
he will deliver to you, excluding therefrom however those indiv-
iduals who reside without the limits of said Seventh regiment)
into a company of Militia Artillery, to annex them to the regi-
ment aforesaid under your command, and to allow them the
uniform and equipments of the Artillery of the late State
corps, until further orders —
You are therefore hereby required to cause legal notice to be
given the applicants aforesaid {excepting as aforesaid) to meet
at such time & place as you shall designate for the purpose, and
when so met you will lead them to the choice of a captain, two
lieutenants and the legal number of noncommissioned officers,
and make return of the choice of commissioned officers to the
next General Assembly
Given under my hand at Hartford
the day of May AD 1815 —
John Cotton Smith
Capt. General —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO AMAZIAH BRAY
[8:71]
Hartford 31. May 1815
Sir
Since the order was issued to Col. Brainerd for leading your-
self & associates to a choice of officers it has been discovered
that a part of the men enrolled live without the limits of the
7^^ regiment
This is irregular — If it had been perceived, their names would
have been excluded No one is to blame, as it was un-
68
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
questionably a mere mistake — Unfortunately however the re-
turn cannot be received, nor commissions granted the present
Session. The law, I would further observe, allows but two
lieutenants to a company of Artillery — The Colonel has re-
turned a choice of three — On both these grounds therefore I
have found it necessary to issue a new order returnable to the
next Session of Assembly — Presuming you will be able, under
the direction of the colonel, to supply the places of those excluded
without prejudice to the infantry companies, I enclose an order
to be delivered to Col. Brainerd when convenient with the neces-
sary explanations — I regret delay thus occasioned, but it seems
unavoidable —
I am sir with much regard
your obe^ ser^
J. C. Smith —
A. Bray Esq*"
[Superscribed] Amaziah Bray Esquire Killingworth —
CALVIN GODDARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:72]
Hartford June 1. 1815
Dear sir,
I know not whether usage or propriety requires from me
any communication, on my leaving the Council, or the occasion
of it. There are times when the heart, will not permit one en-
quiry into forms — Such is at present the condition of mine —
Associated as I have been with the body from which I now sep-
arate, during a period of so much difficulty, embarrassment &
danger — Extricated as we are from the difficulties which we
felt ours, preserved as we have been from the dangers which we
feared — Enjoying so many, & so great blessings as a state —
Experiencing, as I have so much of personal respect, & affec-
tionate kindness from my associates in efforts to perpetuate those
blessings — Grateful as my heart ought to be for the preserva-
tion of the lives of all the Council during this period — Mourful
as it is, at the recollection of the death of two Chief Magistrates
in the full enjoyment, and worthy of the Love of us all of all
69
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
this people, my heart would be harder than a flint if I could part
from you without emotion — But such are my recollections of
the past and anticipations of the future, that I cannot bring my-
self to join the Council today, & say Farewell! But I cannot
leave town with some testimonial of my respect & gratitude
May a merciful God continue his blessing to you & the Council,
& continue you, & them as a blessing to this State & assist you
& them in all your exertions to transmit to bur children the dis-
tinguished favour of a good Government faithfully administered
accept, my dear sir, for yourself & have the
goodness to express to the Council, the high
sense of respectful consideration and
affectionate esteem, with which
I add that I am your
Ot hm friend
Calvin Goddard
Govr Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Gov^ Smith Hartford
[8:73]
Printed copy of a Resolution passed by the Connecticut Leg-
islature, January 3, 1815.
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:74]
State of Connecticut —
General Orders —
Hartford June 3'’* 1815
At a General court Martial for the Sixth brigade, of which
Lieut. Col. Leonard Hurlbut of the 25^^ regiment of Infantry
is President, was tried Capt. Uriel Tuttle of the 7^^ company in
the 17^^ regiment, charged with “wilful disobedience of orders”
and “with unofflcerlike and mutinous conduct” —
The arrested officer pleaded not guilty to the complaint and
was heard at large in his defence —
The court pronounced the said Capt. Tuttle guilty of the first
70
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
charge, and not guilty of the offence specified in the second
charge ; and thereupon Sentenced him “to be Suspended from his
rank & office of Captain for the term of six months, to com-
mence from the date of the approval of the sentence by the Cap-
tain General”
In reviewing the proceedings of the court on the trial of this
and other causes before the same board, the Capt. General per-
ceives that certain inquiries were allowed which are not con-
formabbe to military usage. As they were permitted however at
the instance of the arrested officer, and as the court have come
to a correct result upon the whole evidence, the Captain General
Approves the Sentence
The transaction which forms the subject of the present com-
plaint, and in which several other commissioned officers of the
17th regiment were unfortunately concerned, is beheld by the
Capt. General with sincere regret — It is in vain that the accused
would seek to justify his conduct under any supposed provocation
he had received from the late Lieut. Colonel Commandant of the
17th regiment. If that officer had in any respect conducted him-
self improperly in the discharge of his military functions, he was
evidently amendable to a higher tribunal. — — The course
adopted by the accused was not the legitimate mode of redress —
But although no sufficient apology exists for a proceedure at
once irregular and unusual, the Capt. General is nevertheless
persuaded that the offence was committed more from a misap-
prehension of duty than from a disposition to violate it —
from listening too readily to the suggestions of others, and not
from a deliberate intent to set at defiance those principles of
subordination which it should be the pride of a military officer
to observe —
Under these impressions the Captain General considers that
to prevent the entire execution of the foregoing sentence would
be an act of lenity not inconsistent with a due regard to the
public interest — Accordingly it is ordered that the punishment
awarded by the court be and the same is hereby remitted, and that
Captain Uriel Tuttle be released from his arrest —
The Geffi court Martial whereof &c
71
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
[8:74A]
Sharon 12. June 1815
Sir
The foregoing order was prepared before I left Hartford —
but it was delayed in expectation that the records of all the other
cases in the 6*^ brigade would have been returned before this time
They are not all yet received* — I have therefore concluded to
proceed gradually and now request you to give the requisite
publicity to the present order together with the one enclosed,
for the first brigade — The cases from the 6^^ brigade are
truly perplexing — It was indiscreet in the Lieut. Col. (to say
nothing of the cause of discontent) to arrest so many officers
at once — and rather injudicious in the court to suspend all the
captains & several Lieutenants, thereby leaving the companies
destitute during the spring and fall training — The ring-leader
so far as I can discover was Capt. Beebe whose case was trans-
mitted to you from Hartford — As to him I suffer the sentence
which is really too mild to take effect — but According to my
present impression I shall pardon the others — The grounds you
will see stated in the case of Capt. Tuttle now forwarded —
This course is adopted upon much deliberation and I hope will
be salutary in its consequences. — The regiment is in a dis-
tracted state — but Col. Smith has resigned — a judicious suc-
cessor is appointed & I hope harmony will be restored —
The 6^^ Brigade is now commanded by the President of the
Court Martial & he resides in Winchester —
I am jy sir sincerely yours —
Adjutant Geffi Huntington —
16*^ June P. S. Just after the above was prepared I learned that
the records in the other cases would be here on the 14^^ — The
letter was detained — The records arrived — Orders are pre-
pared and the whole (twenty in number) now forwarded in this
& another package —
[Endorsed] General orders in the case of Capt. Tuttle 17. Reg*
6. Brigade
72
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
* Several came early to hand & orders were prepared on the
instant — but are kept back for the others —
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:75]
State of Connecticut
General Orders
Sharon June 5. 1815
A General court Martial of which Major Peter B. Gleason of
the first regiment of Cavalry is President was held at Hartford
on 29^^ May last by order of the Brigadier General of the first
brigade for the trial of Cornet David McKinney of the first
company in the first regiment of Cavalry charged with “dis-
obedience of orders,” with “neglect of duty” and with “unofficer-
like conduct”
The accused took exception to the legality of his arrest ; which
exception being overruled by the court, he pleaded not guilty to
the complaint and was heard at large in his defence —
The court having found the arrested officer guilty of the two
first charges and not guilty of the third & last charge, pronounced
the following sentence — to wit
“The court in view of the whole case considering the probable
intention of Cornet McKinney to remove out of the state and
also the recent date of his commission and his inexperience as
an officer, do thereupon Sentence the Said Cornet M. Kinney that
he be reprimanded in such manner as the Captain General shall
direct”
On a due examination of the record the Captain General is
satisfied with the interlocutory and final opinion expressed by the
Court, and he approves the Sentence Accordingly to carry
the same into effect in a manner suited to the palliating circum-
stances mentioned by the court it is ordered that the Brigadier
General of the first Brigade do privately reprimand the said Cor-
net McKinney for the disobedience of orders and neglect of
duty specified in the charges in arrest, and that he report the ex-
ecution of this order as soon as may be to the office of the Adju-
tant General
73
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The General court Martial whereof Major Gleason is Pres-
ident is hereby dissolved
[Endorsed] Gen^ orders in case of Cornet David McKinney 1.
Reg* Cavalry
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:76]
State of Connecticut
General orders —
Sharon June 14*^ 1815
At a General court Martial for the 6**" brigade, of which Lieut.
Col. Hurlbut of 25**^ reg* is President, was tried Lieut. Stephen
Russell of 1. comp, in the 17**^ regiment, charged with “a wilful
disobedience of orders” & “with unofficerlike conduct”
The arrested officer pleaded not guilty to the complaint and was
heard at large in his defence —
The court pronounced the said Lieut. Russell guilty, and
thereupon sentenced him “to be Suspended from his office and
rank of Lieutenant for the term of nine months from and after
the date of the approval of the sentence by the Capt. Geffi.”
On mature consideration the Capt. Geffi is satisfied that the
court have come to a correct result upon the whole evidence, and
he therefore approves the sentence
In Geffi orders issued on the instant June, in the case of
Capt. U. Tuttle, the Capt. General has expressed his views of
the transaction in which the accused (with other commissioned
officers of the 17*^ reg*) were unhappily engaged, as well as the
reasons which induced him in that case to, remit the punishment
amended by the court. — Those reasons apply to the case under
consideration, and are strengthened by a belief that on the
occasion alluded to the accused was influenced in no slight de-
gree by the example of those who were his superiours in rank &
commission Whilst the Captain General laments the errour
into which so many valuable officers were inconsiderately be-
trayed, he confidently trusts the evil is sufficiently seen & de-
plored by them, and that nothing in future will occur to disturb
the harmony of a regiment which for its discipline & orderly
74
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
conduct, has been long & justly entitled to distinguished approba-
tion — Entertaining these sentiments the Capt. Gen^ has thought
proper to prevent the entire execution of the foregoing sentence
— Accordingly it is ordered that the punishment amended by
the court be & the same is hereby remitted — and that Lieut.
Stephen Russell be released from his arrest
The Gen^ Court Martial whereof Lieut. Col. Hurlbut is Pres-
ident is hereby dissolved —
[Endorsed] Gen^ orders in case of Lieut. Stephen Russell 1.
Comp. 17. Regt. 6. Brigade —
THOMAS HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:77]
Middletown 16*^ June 1815.
His Ex. John Cotton Smith Esqr:
Sir/
I had the honor of addressing you about
the middle of May, requesting you to accept my resignation of
the office I hold in the State Troops — not having receiv’d
a discharge, and for many reasons being desirous of one, I have
to request your Excellency would be so good as to accept my res-
ignation and discharge me from Military duty. —
Respectfully
Your oU Servant
Thomas Hubbard
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr:
Sharon.
[Endorsed] Capt. Tho. Hubbard 16. June 1815 — rec*^
answ^ D°
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:78]
State of Connecticut
Sharon 21. June 1815
General orders
At A General court martial, for the Second Division of which
75
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Brigadier General Enoch Foote of the 4*^^ brigade is President,
was tried Ralph J. Ingersoll Esquire Brigade Major and In-
spector of the Second Brigade charged with “unofficerlike con-
duct” and with “neglect of duty”
The arrested officer pleaded not guilty to the complaint and the
court came to the following result towit —
“This court, after maturely deliberating upon the charges
brought against Ralph J. Ingersoll Brigade Major and Inspec-
tor of the 2°*^ Brigade of militia and upon the testimony adduced,
find the said Ralph J. Ingersoll not guilty of the said charges, and
adjudge that he be fully and honourably acquitted”
The proceedings and decision of the court are Approved by the
Captain General
Accordingly it is ordered that Major Ralph J. Ingersoll be
released from his arrest
The General court Martial whereof Brigadier General Foote
is President is hereby dissolved
By order of the Captain General —
[Endorsed] General orders in case of Major R. J, Ingersoll In-
spector of 2^^ brigade — 21. June 1815
HEZEKIAH GODDARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:79]
New London June 23*^ 1815
sir/
There is so many of those small detachment who have claims
that I must be under the necessity of asking a further advance
of money from the State. I have paid to Gen^ Foote $565 —
Major Sherman has a Claim of about $100 — there are about
$600 which I was called on yesterday by Liu^ Pratt from Gen^
How,s Brigade — I suppose that 1.000 Dolles[sic] will cover the
wholl from the best Information which I have. If your Excellency
will Please send me an order on the comptroller for such sum as
may be necessary I will not draw for any more than sufficient to
mett the demands which I believe will not exceed $1000
with the highest respect
76
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I am your Excellencys obedient
& Humble servant
Hez. Goddard
Pay Master
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr.
Govenor Sharon N. London C June 23
[Endorsed] Major Goddard 23. June 1815 rec^ in my absence
— answ^ 21. July 1815 intra —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO THOMAS HUBBARD
[8:80]
23. June 1815
Sir
I have received your letter of the 16^^ inst — The legislature
having thought proper to retain the Military corps as militia
until the rising of the Assembly in October next, it has appeared
to me inexpedient to accept the resignation of any of the officers
during that period; especially as no provision is made by law for
filling the vacancies —
I trust Sir every officer belonging to the corps will feel satis-
fied with this arrangement Sir and will wait patiently for the dis-
charge, to which he will then be entitled —
I am Sir respectfully your
obedient & hum^^ servant —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Hubbard
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:81]
Norwich 24 June 1815
Dear sir
On settling the annual accounts of the Mohegan turnpike road
this month — the commissioners had their doubts respecting the
powers (if any) they possessed for adjusting the same — but
did proceed to an adjustment of the accounts & laid the same
before the County Court as formerly they had been accustomed
77
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
to do they find the road indebted for advances hereto-
fore made for nearly three hundred dollars, & their note is due
at the Norwich Bank on the 12 July for the balance —
I apprehend Haughton the keeper of the gate will not
hesitate to pay over such collections as he may make for paying
up the note but presume your excellency ought to be
informed that there are no commissioners appointed on the
Mohegan Turnpike road they having been formerly
appointed by the County Court, but placed under the direction
of the Governor & Council by statute & by special resolve
for two years exempted from the effect of the statute, the last
special resolve expiring in May
Will your Excellency take the subject into consideration & au-
thorise the receipt of so much of the money collected as may be
necessary to pay the baE due from the road subject here-
after to be adjusted by the commissioners who may be appointed
The several orders respecting Courts Martial in the 6^^ brigade,
(I believe 19) one in the first brigade & one in the second brigade
have been duly received and promulgated
I am respectfully
& sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Governor Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon
Chelsea Landg Jn 23
[Endorsed] Gen^ E. Huntington 24. June 1815 de Mohegan-
road. rec*^ in my absence answ^ 22. July 1815 —
SAMUEL BUSHNELL 2^ TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:82]
Saybrook June 30 1815
His Excellency the Captain General
Sir
At the organization of the State Corps I had the honor to be
appointed a Sergeant in the 1 Companey of Artillery under the
78
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Comand of Captain Jewett and performd duty in that Capacity
untill the restoration of peace — In the fategue and Sacrafies
which that Companey encounterd in discharg of Public Duty
I bore my Part, and never received a Reproof or froun from
any of my offiers At the late Election of officrs for Said Com-
paney I was wholley neglected and must now returne to the
rank or encounter Continual fines unless your Exellency will
grant me a discharge from futher military duty — Your Ecel-
ency will not I am persuaded consent thus to degrade me in my
one [sic] eyes as well as in these whome I have been in the habit
of comanding nor wish me to be Subjectd to fines which I am
unable to pay without ruen to my Self and famely I therefore
pray your Exellency to grant me a discharge from futher duty
and I am
Your Excellencys Obeidant
Survant
Samuel Bushnell 2^
GEORGE W. JEWETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :82A]
His Excelleny John C, Smith
Sir, At the desire of Sergeant Bushnell, I take the liberty to state
to your Excellency that the facts stated in the foregoing applica-
tion are true. While under my immediate Command I was ever
well satisfied with his Conduct, and never heard a bit of disatis-
faction from any other quarter. Why he should have been neg-
lected at the late Election I know not, except that he had not so
many family, connections in the Company, was older than the
Class selected for Sergeants & Corporals — &c — It would be an
extremely hard Case to oblige him to do duty in the Ranks —
The Precedent cannot be of much inconvenience, as similar Cases
can very rarely occur. On the whole I hope your Excelleny will
discharge him. Cap Bull who now commands the Company and
who is now absent on a Journy and with whom I have had
Conversation on the Subject concurs entirely with me in Opinion
79
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
on the Subject and contemplating this Application, desired me to
state the same —
I am as ever
Your Excellency’s
Very Obedient Servant
Geo. W. Jewett
Saybrook July 1 1815.
[Superscribed] His Excellency Gov*" Smith Sharon Conn —
Saybrook July 3
[Endorsed] Sergeant Bushnell’s request for a discharge & Ma-
jor Jewett’s letter — rec** during my absence — answ^ 21.
July — 1815
MATTHEW T. RUSSELL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:83]
Middletown July 12^^ 1815
Sir
Having been appointed States Attorney, by the advice of
Mr Hosmer, I applyed to General Lusk for a Return of Military
delinquents. With Considerable reluctance he, at length,
gave an order, on his brigade major, for a return. But, on this
Condition, that application should be made to your Excellency,
to bring about the Prosecution of offenders out of his Brigade.
The impropriety of Addressing your Excellency on this Sub-
ject was very apparent, but, was necessarily submitted, in order
to obtain the information requisite for the Prosecution of the
Delinquents, in this county. I trust, this will be ad-
mitted an appology for troubling your Excellency on this Subject.
The difficulties presented by General Lusk could no
otherwise be overcome, than by a measure, which he hoped,
would produce a General prosecution of Military Delinquents
through out the State.
With the highest Respect, I am your
Excellency,s Obedient & very Humble Servant
Matthew T. Russell
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
80
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*"
Sharon Con^
[Endorsed] M. T. Russell Esq 12. July 1815 received in my
absence — answ^ 22. July 1815
LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES
[8:84]
Washington, Department of State,
July 13th 1815.
Laws of the United States for the
State of Connecticut.
l®'^ session 12th Congress 1 Box containing Copies 200.
1D° -
if
199
- 399
2nd J30 _
__ D°
1D° -
ft
99
112.
1D° -
ft
99
180
- 292.
1st J)o
13th Congress
1D° -
ft
99
180.
1D° -
ft
99
219
- 399
2nd J)o
1D° -
ft
99
120.
1D° -
ft
99
120.
- 240
3rd Do
1D° -
ft
99
200.
1D° -
ft
99
199
- 399
10 Boxes containing Copies
1729
JOHN G. MUNN TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:85]
Hartford/ ConnV 15‘^ of
July 1815
His Excellency John C. Smith Esq^ Governor CapE Gen^ and
Commander in Chief in and over the State of Connecticut
Sir
the undersigned begs leave to state that he has ben years in
Service of the United States that he has been wounded severely
which will probably render him Disabled for life, for which the
Gen^ Government have allredy plac[e]d him on the Pension List
81
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Roll at twelve dollars fifty Cents p"" Month, but Sir having
made an application for an appointment of Military Store Keeper
or a Post Office in preference of being continued in Service is the
subject in which he begs your attention. — Recommendations
have allredy been favoured him by Officers of the army who
are Continued in Service that are acquainted pursonaly with
his Tallants as an Officer and Citizen, being anxious to provide
ways and means for the support of himself and Family he is
under the necessay of requsting the favour of your Honor a
line of Reccommendation of what your Excellency has Purson-
aly Observed in the partishioner in the performance of his duty
while an officer of the army. — the [delicacy] of this application
is most seriously felt but being Confident that it will be of Great
importance to him if your Excellency sees fit to favour him
with one prompts him make this application, it is his wish to satis-
fy the Government as far as in his power that he is not without
Friends, that his Wound renders him unfit for manuel Labour is
a fact, and that it is of serious importance to him to have some
small appointment that he may thereby obtain a Livelihood. —
Incouragement has been given him by the Secretary of War as
also Maj*” Gen^ Ripley of the United States Army, being left
from Service on account of Severe Wounds is what he did not
expect tho that was the Instructions of the President to the
Board of War who had the pleasure of making out the Peace
Establishment that none should be retained but those who were
Effective and fit to take the field of Battle at any time if neces-
sary if your Excellency should see fit to say any
thing in favour of your humble Partishioner please enclose it
to him directed to this place that he may forward it to Wash-
ington with others and at any rate please write in answer by re-
turn Mail. — being at this time out all kind of Business renders
your Partishioners situation disagreeable and if an Appointment
is to be Obtained he wishes to have it done soon
I am Sir with Sentiments
of Respect and Esteem
your Obedient and
verry humble Servant
82
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
John G Munn late a
1®*^ Liu^ in the Reg^
United States Infy
His Excellency John C. Smith Esq""
Governor of Connecticut
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*" Gov-
ernor of Connecticut Sharon/ Connecticut/
[Endorsed] Lieut. J. G. Munn — 15. July — answ^ 28*^
DISCHARGES FROM THE MILITARY CORPS
[8:86]
Samuel Bushnell 2“^ formerly a sergeant in the first Company of
Artillery in the late Military Corps is hereby, at his request &
on grounds which appear to me satisfactory, discharged from
further Military duty —
Given under my hand the 21. day of
July AD 1815 —
Sharon 21. July 1815
Major Jewett —
Sir
On my return this day from a long journey your letter &
Sergeant Bushnell’s application which arrived during my ab-
sence, are put into my hands — — The precedent may be
attended with some inconvenience but I have concluded on the
whole to comply with the Sergeant’s request, supported as it
is by your recommendation, and will therefore thank you to de-
liver to him the foregoing discharge —
I am D^ Sir with much regard
your very oU Se^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ELISHA COLT
[8:87]
Elisha Colt Esq. Comptroller &c.
Sharon 21. July 1815
Sir
The Pay Master General informs me there are outstand-
83
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ing demands upon his department which will require a further
draft on the treasury — You will be pleased therefore to draw
on the treasurer in his favour for such sums as the above objects
may require not exceeding in the whole one thousand dollars —
for which the Pay master General will render to you his Ac-
count —
[Endorsed] To Major Goddard P. M. Gen'
[on other side of leaf]
21. July 1815
Sir
On my return this day from a long journey your letter of
the 23*'*' ultimo which arrived during my absence, is put into my
hands — I lose no time in forwarding an order upon the Comp-
troller agreeable to your desire
I am Sir respectfully '
your ob‘ SeP
Major H. Goddard —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
MATTHEW T. RUSSELL
[8:88]
Sharon 22. July 1815
Sir
Your letter of the 12'^'^ instant arrived here during my absence
on a journey. I avail myself of the earliest mail since my return
to notice its contents
The command of the troops detached under the General orders
of July 1814 was assigned to Major General Taylor — Through
his inattention returns were not made either of those who failed
to perform their tour of duty or of those who neglected to appear
at the place of rendezvous — Delinquents of the former descrip-
tion will therefore wholly escape — And of the latter a part
only can be ascertained inasmuch as one of the regiments ordered
into service it seems was not mustered at the place of rendezvous
It is desirable undoubtedly that every species of delinquency
84
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
should be promptly punished — And it is equally desirable that
justice should be administered impartially & without discrimina-
tion —
On this subject however I cannot but observe that your views
of the impropriety which would attend the least interference on
my part are perfectly correct —
I am Sir with sincere respect
& esteem your obedient &
very humble servant
M. T. Russell Esqr.
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
[8:89]
Sharon 22. July 1815
Sir
Yours of the ultimo arrived during my absence on a
journey — Having returned yesterday evening I seize the earliest
moment to notice its contents
The resolve of Assembly to which you allude respecting com-
missioners on the Mohegan Turnpike road is entirely out of
my recollection, nor have I at hand the means of ascertaining
its purport — If the appointment should have been made
during the May Session I regret that those more particularly
conversant with the subject had not intimated it to the board
— By an Act of the legislature passed in October last, com-
missioners on turnpike roads are to be appointed annually at the
October Session — and those in office are continued until that
time — Unless there is therfore something very special in the
resolve you mention I should suppose the gentlemen already
appointed on the Moheegan road would retain their powers
until October next — We did nothing more in this branch of
executive duty at the last session than to fill vacancies occasioned
by death or resignation In any event it will be to no purpose
for me to issue instructions to the receiver of the Monies col-
lected at the Gate — as no authority of this kind is vested
by law in the Governor —
85
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
I am very respectfully
Sir your ob*^ ser^
Major Gen'* E. Huntington • —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN G. MUNN
[8 :90]
State of Connecticut July 28. 1815
Having been requested by M^ J. G. Munn, late 1. Lieut, in the
U. States Infantry, to state my opinion of his conduct whilst
stationed at Hartford, I would observe that from the opportun-
ities afforded me of witnessing his deportment as well as from
information derived from respectable sources I entertain the im-
pression that his behaviour was uniformly such as becomes
an officer and a citizen —
J. C. S —
Sir —
Your letter of the 15*^*^ instant arrived here during my absence
on a journey, or it would have received an earlier notice —
The foregoing is the only attestation to your merit which my
means of knowledge will allow — It is cheerfully given and that
beneficial
it may prove in some degree serviceable to you is the sincere de-
sire of Sir
Your ob*" & hm Ser*
[Endorsed] to Lieut. Munn —
ARNOLD P. HUMPHREYS TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:91]
Canton July 28^M815
Hon. Sir
the 18*^*^ Regt Connecticut Militia now under my Command are
destitute of an adjutant the paymaster of said Regt is a yong
man of brilliant tallents and has Every qualification to render
him respectable both as a Citizen and a Millitary officer and
would do Honour to said Regt in serving as an Adjutant but by
86
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
a late act past by the legislature of this State it is stated Adju-
tants Paymasters & quarter masters shall be appointed from the
line of subalterns and it is said by some that a paymaster is not
eligible to fill the post of an Adjutant and that all Paymasters or
quartermasters appointed previous to the passing of that act
must retire with out any further promotion others
say that as a Paymaster ranks with a Lieutenant he may with
propriety be apointed Adjutant
I wish Sir you would be so good as to write to me and state
the construction you put upon that passage of the law And state
your sentiments upon the subject
wish you to write as soon as convenient as it will be necessary for
me to make the appointment of an Adjutant soon on account of
Millitary business that must be attended to
Yours with sentiments of the
highest esteem and Respect
Arnold P Humphreys
His Excellency John C. Smith
Esq"" Gov. of the State of
Connecticut.
[Superscribed] His Excellency JohnC. Smith Esqr. Gov. of
the State of Connecticut Sharon
[Endorsed] Col. A. P. Humphreys 28. July — 1815 Rec^ &
answ^ 8 Aug de adjutant
E. BOARDMAN TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:92]
Hartford Con^
July 30'"^ 1815
Hon^ Sir
Awar of your knowledge of my personal merits as a Citizan
& soldier ; Permit me to request Your friendly aid and assistance,
by giving a Letter of Recommendation, informing the SecP of
War of my Caractor & Conduct, so far as has came within
Your knowledge. And Sir at the same time permit me to
state to You facts relative to my situation. I entered the
87
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
service of the United States on the 13^^ of June 1818 [sic] as a
Cornet of Dragoons and have arrison in regular gradation to the
Rank of Captain In April 1814 it became necessary to con-
solidate the Two Regiments of Dragoons. I then being the
junior Captain of the Two Regiments, It became necessary (If
I continued in that service) to reduce my Rank to a LieuS
Having declined serving with named Rank, The Government
Offered me a Captaincy in Inf^^ to act as Rifle Man, with
permishion to appoint my own Subaltern Officers, which I ac-
cepted and rec^ Orders to come to this place & establish
my Rendezvous for Recruiting. In three months from my Com-
mencement, I had filled my Company and Marched.
Since which time peace has tacon place The love of Cuntry and
a desire to serve it, induced me to enter that service earley in
life, which I have followed as a profession & had supposed I
should continue to remain, untill my conduct had at least, be-
come reprehensible in some way or manor, which never has ben
the case, — But unfortunately for me (as I have a family, am
poor & Indigant Circontances) I was left out of the peace estab-
lishment. But I have the promis of the Government that
they will do somthing for me either reinstate me to my Rank in
the Army, or give me a civil appointment. But my indigant Cir-
comstances require that I should be in some Business soon I have
tharefor procured from M^ Daggett & a number of the rest
of my friends. Letters in my behalf, which I had calculated to
forward, so soon as I should receive Your answer & Sir If
consistant you will grately Oblige me by complying with my
request
Verry Respectfully Your
Obt Hum^ Serv^
E. Boardman Capt
Late of the 26^^ Inft^
HonU John C. Smith
Govern'' of the State of
Connecticut
Sharon
C‘ i
88
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] Honb^ John C. Smith Govern^ of the State of
Connecticut Sharon, (Con^)
[Endorsed] Capt. E. Boardman 30. July 1815 — rec*^ 8. Aug.
Not to be answered
DAVID GELSTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8;93]
Custom house New York,
August 3*^ 1815
Sir,
By order of the Secretary of State, I have this day shipped
by Cap^ Rockwell for Hartford, nine boxes said to contain laws,
U. S.
Your Excellency will be pleased to forward to me a receipt for
them when at hand
I have the honor to be,
very respectfully
your Excellency’s
Obedient servant,
David Gelston
His Excellency
Governor Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governor Smith Sharon Con-
necticut
[Endorsed] D. Gelston Esqr. collector of N. York — 3. Aug.
1815 rec^ 8^^ de laws U. S. answ^ IT^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID GELSTON
[9:51]
State of Connecticut
Sharon 11. Aug. 1815
Sir —
Your favour of the 3^^ instant is received — As soon as I learn
that the nine boxes containing laws of the U. S. have arrived at
Hartford the receipt of them shall be acknowledged —
The Secretary of state in his letter to me under date of 13^^
89
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ultimo mentions his having forwarded ten boxes to your care ; &
states the number of copies in each As the boxes are said
to contain the acts passed at the several sessions of the 12*^
& 13^^ Congress properly assorted, the loss of one box will prob-
ably have the effect of breaking up the setts — You will confer
an additional favour Sir by making the necessary inquiries upon
this subject
I am very respectfully
Sir your ob*^ & mot hm. ser^
[Endorsed] To D. Gelston Esq"" 11. Aug. 1815
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
ARNOLD P. HUMPHREYS
[8:94]
Sharon Aug. 8. 1815
Sir
In reply to your letter which is just received, I would observe
that according to my construction of the late act of Assembly
Adjutants can be appointed only from the line of subalterns in
the regiment — Consequently in my view a mere staff officer is
not eligible —
I am Sir respectfully
Your oU Ser^
Col. A. P. Humphreys
THOMAS DAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:95]
Hartford August 16. 1815.
Dear sir.
Your communication of the 11th inst. is received. I shall
immediately apply to Capt. Rockwell on his arrival for the boxes
of Laws of U. S., and advise you of the number that shall be
received, condition &c.
I received by mail a short time since addressed to the Executive
of this State, one copy of the Acts passed at the third Session of
the 13th Congress, which is now in my Office.
90
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I am very respectfully
Your obed^ serv^
Thomas Day
Gov*’ Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon.
[Endorsed] Secretary Day — Aug. 16. 1815 rec*^ 19^^
THOMAS HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:96]
Middletown Aug^ 1815.
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esqr:
Sir/
Rec*^ your Excellency’s letter of 23^ June
last — and had contented myself to abide your determination not
to discharge any officer of the State Corps until the October
session of the Legislature, but my Troop, particularly the of-
ficers, have wished to be ordered out for discipline, and a late
view of the subject of military pursuits, in a moral light, is
such as to induce me to a practice, perhaps not warranted by mil-
itary laws : — omitting to discipline & qualify for actual service
the Men placed under my command. — Not having had a Geffi
order requiring me to call out the Troop, I have considered my
situation precisely the same as before the act of May session
& justified my conduct. — In further urging your Excellency to
reconsider your decision, and to grant me a discharge, I trust
your Excellency will appreciate my motives, & not impute to me
unreasonable importunity. As far as any Alilitary station is de-
sirable, mine is so, & the Corps to which I am attached as re-
spectable as any; that I do not desire to quit it from disgust, but
from a conviction, with which my conduct would be at varience
should I continue to act in my command, which I recently am in-
form’d is expected of me by the Major Comd*^
Respectfully
Your oU Serv‘
Thomas Hubbard
91
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr:
Sharon. Conn : —
[Endorsed] Capt. T. Hubbard requesting a discharge 21. Aug.
1815 rec*^ 26. answ*^ 28^^
ELIZUR GOODRICH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:97]
Hartford Aug* 21. 1815.
My dear sir.
It has pleased Almighty God, to remove from this Life, my
brother, the late Lieu* Governour of this State. He expired on
Friday last, — I know your affection for him, and that your sym-
pethies unite themselves to the affections & afflications of his
family friends
The Gentlemen of this City request me to say that, the cir-
cumstances of the case did not admit a messenger to reach you
in season to permit you to attend his interment. Every testmony
was yesterday paid to his memory by the whole City.
I am with sentiments of
Affection your Friend
Elezur Goodrich
His Ex Gov*" Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq
Sharon Con
[Endorsed] Hon. E. Goodrich 21. Aug. 1815 Death of Gov'’
Goodrich ans. intra —
THOMAS DAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:98]
Hartford August 22. 1815.
Dear sir,
Soon after I wrote you last week I learned that Capt. Rock-
well had arrived, and that the boxes of books in question had
92
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
been received at the Comptroller’s Office. Enclosed is a list of
the books contained in each box.
With perfect respect
your friend & obed* serv‘d
Thomas Day
P. S. Since writing the above I have rec*^ your communication of
the 17^^ ins^ with a package. A short time since I received a copy
of the acts of the Legislature of Kentucky for the years 1812,
1813 & 1814, in three small vols. half-bound. There was a Resolve
passed in May 1811 relative to an exchange of statutes ; but the
terms of it are such that I have experienced some embarrassment
in complying with it. It directs the Secretary to forward to the
Secretary of the several States that shall propose an exchange of
statutes three sets of the statutes of this State” &c. I have for-
warded under this resolve copies of our statutes to some of the
States that have in fact forwarded theirs, but there has not been
an instance to my recollection since the Resolve was passed where
another State has proposed an exchange. I would suggest to your
Excellency whether it would not be expedient to bring the sub-
ject before our Legislature in some shape for the purpose of
making some further or different provision. As the application
which you mention from the State of Delaware seems to come
within the terms of the Resolve, I will immediately forward three
copies of the late acts to the Secretary of that State.
T. D.
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Tho® Day Esq^ rec^ 1. Sept. 1815 answ^ 2°*^
JOSEPH H. RIGGS TO JOSEPH TOMLINSON
[8 :99]
Derby August 22 1815
Joseph T omlinson
Sir you are hereby notifyed that you are fined four
Dollars, for non appearance at the usual place of perade on the
first monday in may last for Inspection by order of David Jack-
son Capt 2^^ Comp 32"'^ Reg^
Joseph H. Riggs Serg*'
93
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHRISTOPHER MINOT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:100]
West Haven Aug^ 22^ 1815
My dear Sir,
Your very agreable letter of the 25^^ July we have received,
announcing your safe arrival at home, the agreable interview
with our friends at Northampton, and that you upon the whole,
had a pleasant journey: on hearing of which, we were all
much pleased, and particularly that on your return you found
your family & friends well — That they were rejoiced to see
you, can be easily immagined — We rec’d a line yesterday from
our children at Northampton expressing the great satisfaction
they enjoyed with you and your lady, but reg[ret] sincerely that
your stay there was so short — They mention Judge Lyman as
[missing] your Class-mates, a more kind & charming disposition
perhaps does not exist in [ ] other body. You have done us a
great kindness in your particulars respecting [ ] visit at N. H.
as we had not had for sometime our usual information from them
I am a little disappointed in your not finding the roads more to
your mind, but think you must agree with me, that from Greene’s
on the mountain to Connecticut River, no Vermont roads are
better.
Nothing very material has occurred here since your departure
neither Rossman or Esquire Shepherd have yet made the
promised June paym^ — & if the Squire depends on his partner
to find the means, he will often be mistaken —
I am happy Sir, to find that M*" Langdon comes out so well
in his acco*® but very sorry the balance is not larger — My
daughter Richards has just returned from his house having
been to the Middlebury Commenced with his family — He and
his Lady, Moses Strong &c proceeded from that place to Canada,
meaning to return home by our Freeman’s meeting. There has
been a most scurrilous publication against our good Governor
Chittenden, supposed to be wrote by Lawyer Mallory (, one of
our mushroom gentry), such as commonly issues from the Rut-
land press a short time before our Election Who would
94
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
wish to be a candidate for the Chair of Vermont, to be shot at
such Vandals as he and some others one could mention ?
M*' H has formally waited on your Cousin to know if he ser-
iously means to [pers] evere in his demand, and he had his answer
in the affirmative — then says M"" H [ ] will certainly loose your
case as well as your character — what a pretty figure you [ ]
cut before the Court to have it known that you were plotting to
rob your Uncle [ ] his dying moments? — well he answered I
can’t help that. I’ll recover if I can &c — I believe he felt the
weight of H’® arguments, as I understand his countenance
very quickly lengthened It seems the perjury of Huggins
was his expected power to prevent the will’s being proved — He
says Huggins would have come forward (no doubt by virtue
of a bribe) and swore your Uncle was insane.
I have lately rec’d a letter from S. M. Mitchell Esq'’ of Burling-
ton principally on the Silvester Russell business ; but mentions
his expectation of a visit from you when you were in this quarter,
and likewise the Gov. Chittenden informed him that he expected
the same Russels house has fell to us by Mortgage,
which was closed, & now stands in your name — We have sold
it to M*’ Mitchell & four other Gentlemen who intend to present
it to the College there — the price to be the am*^ of Russell’s note
& interest, but how much that amounts to I cannot tell
the house is falling down & wants immense repais so that we
think we had better sell it as quick as possible, before another war
comes on — for I have seen it in flames a number of times
during the last campaign Now it will be necessary that
we have a Release from you before we can give a deed, and I
am sorry to trouble you who I know are always so busy, in
begging the favor you would make out one for us, and send it by
the mail — You will particularly oblige me, as nothing but that is
wanting to compleat the sale — I would send one ready for your
signature did we know the form, but suppose this must be dif-
ferent from the common ones — Description of house and land
in Burlington C° of Chittenden from M^ Mitchell’s letter, viz^
“Beginning at a Stake standing South 86° 31 minutes east one
Chain & nine Links from the northwest corner of Lot Number
95
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
30, of the five acre Lot, in said town of Burlington — Thence
South thr[ee] degrees twenty nine minutes west Eleven chains
& 50 Links to a stake — The [nee] South 86 31" East one
chain & 9 links to a stake — thence north 3 29" [ ] eleven
chains & fifty Links to a Stake — thence north 86 31" West
one [chain] & nine Links to a stake, being the first men-
tioned bound, containing One fo[urth] part of said five acre lot
number 30, with a dwelling house, Barn, and oth[er] out houses
thereon".
All our family are well — M*’® Minots’ sister (M*'® Rice) has
arrived here on a visit from Canada — We all desire our affec-
tionate regards to you, & Mrs. Smith, your Son & his Lady —
With Respect and Esteem
I am My dear Sir
Your Friend Christ® Minot
P. S. M*"® Minot begs to be informed if you know the method
used by your father to cure the falling sickness — if so wishes
a brief acco*^ of it. She has heard your Uncle say, he knew of
no one besides him who could cure that dreadfull disorder —
Could information be had, it would be rec*^ with gratitude by a
Relation of ours living in Middlebury.
CM
Gov. Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire
Sharon Connecticut
[Endorsed] Christ® Minot Esq'’ 22. Aug. 1815 — rec^ & answ**
5‘^ SepP Enclosed a quitclaim deed of the lot in Burlington
as requested
DAVID BUTLER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:101]
Troy August 23*^ 1815
Sir,
I receved your kind letter of the 30^^ ult. for which I am
sincerely thankful. My communications with the war depatment
have been through the medium of a friend of mine in Washing-
ton ; & since receiving your letter I have requested him to make
96
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the enquiries suggested by your Excellency. This he has done,
& writes me as follows.
‘‘The recommendations of your son Jertullus Dickenson on
perfectly satisfactory; but N York has now more than her
proportion of Cadets in the school, & Cpnn. has but few :
no appointments will be made till October, when the new secretary
will be here. The principal Clerk of the department says that if
Gov Smith will write to the new secretary, requesting that Jer-
tullus D may be appointed a Cadet in behalf of Conn, there
is no doubt but it will be done”. This to be sure is not an exact
reply to the questions : But I suspect that our government in the
establishment & management of this Academy, has not been
altogether as systematick, as the great Fredrick of Prussia
would have been, in founding & conducting an institution of that
kind; tho’ abstractly considered it is extremely well regulated,
& has excellent professors. As it relates to the rights of Conn,
in that institution, perhaps it has been hitherto tho’t that any
interference of the tyranically constituted authorities of that
State, might be inconsistent with the individual sovrignty of the
royal race, who on there so much curtailed in the exercise of
their high & legitimate prerogatives. Still as the Governor has
now been mentioned as the proper source of Court favour, it is
to be presumed that they are then declining in their regard for the
unhappy royal progeny of Conn
I intend sending the son I have now mentioned to my brother’s
in Harwinton Conn, as soon as may be convenient: & if your
Excellency will be so good as to write to the new secretary of
War about the first of next October, requesting his appointment
as a Cadet from Conn, it will be gratefully acknowledged by.
Sir, your most obedient
& humble servt David Butler
His Excellency Gov. Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governor Smith Sharon Litch-
field County Conn.
[Endorsed] Rev^ D. Butler — 22. Aug. — 1815 A letter to be
written the Sec^ of war about the 1. Oct. Wrote 18. Oct.
See intra —
97
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WILLIAM BELCHER TO JIRAH ISHAM
[8:102]
Preston August 26‘^ 1815
Brigadier Ge^i} I sham
Sir
Sergeant Isaac Stoddard of the third company in the
Regiment has applied to me for assistance in obtaining a
discharge from military duty The ostensible reason is a
lame wrist, on which account the Surgeon has given him a
certificate. But probably the most cogent one, is the circumstan
of his being supeceeded in the recent revolution in that company
— M"" Stoddard was orderly sergeant in the company, and on the
choice of a Lieutenant & Ensign to fill the vacancies occasioned
by the discharge of the late Lieut, and Ensign, was superceeded ;
a private from the ranks being chosen Lieutenant, and a junior
sergeant, chosen Ensign M*" Stoddards case will be pecu-
liarly hard, unless he obtains relief If consistently with
your duty you can give him the relief he desires, should on my
part think it adviseable to do it
I am Sir respectfully
Yours &C
William Belcher
Lieut Col. Command^
Eighth Reg^
[Superscribed] Brigadier Gen^ Jirah Isham New London
[Endorsed] Sergeant J. Stoddard case for a discharge — dis-
charged 30. Oct. 1815
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO THOMAS HUBBARD
[8:103]
Sharon 28. Aug. 1815
Sir
I have received your letter of the 2P^ inst. — Since the first
organization of the Military Corps I have in no instance dis-
charged any of its officers except when the Council were in
Session. The reason is obvious and as it still exists in its full
98
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
force I feel myself obliged, to refuse a compliance with your
request —
Reflecting however upon the reason assigned in your letter
I am disposed to excuse you from duty for the present and
I do accordingly excuse you, from military service until further
orders — You will make this decision known to the officer next
in command and will signify to him my expectation that he take
the troop in the mean time under his charge & attend to its dis-
cipline exercise & inspection according to law —
I am Sir your Ob^ Ser*
Capt. Tho® Hubbard —
[Endorsed] To Capt. T. Hubbard
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO [THEODORE] DWIGHT
[8:104]
Sharon 28. Aug. 1815
My dear Sir
On my return this day from a visit to my sister at Pough-
keepsie I find your affecting letter of the 21®‘ instant The
sad intelligence it announces had already reached me, and had
awakened emotions which I shall not attempt to describe. —
At Poughkeepsie I accidentally met some of the wisest and best
men from different parts of that state. We had the melancholy
opportunity of mingling our griefs at the death of Governour
Goodrich; a bereavement, which was justly considered
as not confined to Connecticut, but as a serious national misfor-
tune. — When or where we are to find a statesman in whom shall
be combined so much modesty intelligence and wisdom is known
only to that God who wounds and can heal, and who, amidst
the inscrutable dispensations of His Providence towards the
people of this state, I humbly trust, will not suffer His loving
kindness wholly to fail
To you My dear Sir who have enjoyed an intimate and habitual
intercourse with our departed friend, the loss must be peculiarly
great. I condole with you from my heart, and devoutly pray that
a death so sudden, and an example so illustrious may produce
their proper effect upon us all —
99
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
With the sincerest sympathy and
esteem I am My dear Sir
your afflicted friend & Servant
John Cotton Smith
The Honourable M*" Dwight —
[Endorsed] To Hon. M"" Dwight
JOSEPH TOMLINSON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:105]
T 0 his Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain
General & Commander in Chief in & over the
Mitary Force of this State &c &c
The Petition and appeal of Joseph Tomlinson of Derby in
New Haven County humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner for
several years had been & untill SepE 1814 was a private Soldier
in the 2“^ Company in the 32""^ Regiment Connecticut Militia
then and now commanded by Captain David Jackson, that in
Septemb'' 1814 your Memorialist was drafted & detached to per-
form a tour of Duty & ordered to New-Haven, where he served
in a detached Company commanded by Capt. Thompson in
the Regiment commanded by Col. Elihu Sanford and while
at New Haven on s*^ tour your Memorialist enlisted from s*^
Copany of Capt. Thompson as a private in the third Company
of Artillery State Troops then in service at New Haven & com-
manded by Lieffl John L. Tomlinson. That he thereupon equipped
himself in all respects according to Law for service in s*^ Artillery
Company & served as a Private in the same untill its discharge
from s*^ Tour & has ever since done duty in s^ last mentioned
Company. That at the time he your Memorialist enlisted as
afores*^ the number of Rank & file in both the Companies Com-
manded by Capt. Jackson &: Capt. Thompson as afores^
were on the Rolls of s*^ Companies more than thirty six
& the Rank & file in s*^ Jackson’s Company at present far ex-
ceeds that number that notwithstanding on the 22“*^ day of Aug-
ust 1815 your Memorialist received a Notice in due form from
s^ Capt. David Jackson that he (your Petitioner) was fined four
100
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Dollars for non-appearance in Jacksons Company on their
usual parade on the first Monday of May 1815 as by s*^ notice
accompanying this Memorial will appear. Your Memorialist
therefore prays your Excellency to abate the Fine & order
that he be discharged from paying the same. Derby August 28*^^
Joseph Tomlinson
The Facts stated in the foregoing appeal are true to the best of
my knowledge t ^ -t-
John L Tomlinson
I Andrew Johnson of Derby in New Haven County of lawful age
testify & say that I served as Collector of taxes in Derby in the
Fall of 1814 & Spring of 1815, that in obedience to the require-
ment of an Act entitled “an Act to ascertain the number of
persons exempt by Law from Military duty, I called on Capt
David Jackson for the Roll of the 2^^ Company in the 32^*^ Regi-
ment commanded by him that I took a Copy of the Roll so
furnished by s*^ Jackson, which I now have before me
that the number of Rank & file on s^ Roll is thirty eight, that
the Deponent believes the Roll of Jackson,s company has
since been increased & further this Deponent saith not.
Andrew Johnson
New Haven County ss. Derby Aug*' 28*'*" 1815
Personally appeared Andrew Johnson & made Oath that the
above Deposition contains the truth the whole truth & nothing
but the truth before me
John L Tomlinson Justice of Peace
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
Derby Con Aug 29
[Endorsed] Joseph Tomlinson Appeal — rec^ 5. Sept. 1815
Issued an order same day — for a hearing at N. Haven
on the 13^*" Oct. next 1 ’o’clock P.M. Heard the case on the
day aforesaid & issued a Gen* order abating the fine
REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
[8:106]
Report of the Ordnance belonging to the State of Connecticut
September 1815
101
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Brass Ordnance
Where By whom
Deposited Commanded
N° Rate Remarks respecting Quality
condition &c. and the Artillery
Companies to which the pieces
are annexed
Windham C° Gurdon
Hebard
1 6*^^ This piece is itself in good
order But the mounting is con-
siderably out of repair — The
neap broken trail transim de-
fective, apron gone, one entire
harness gone, and the other
of little value — Expence of
making the necessary repairs
estimated at 36 Dollars —
which were ordered to be
made immediately — The
company to which this piece
is annexed consists of 40 non
Comm'^ Officers & Privates all
of the town of Windham ex-
cept three or four from the
town of Mansfield — The
Officers have agreed to erect
a Gun house —
Norwich Cap*^ Cha®
Thomas
1 6^^ This piece ought to be bushed
— & otherwise in good repair
together with its mounting
and appendages, except some
small deficiencies in the Har-
nesses expenses of supplying
which was estimated at 5
dollars — ordered to be done
— The company to which this
Gun is attached consists of 45
non Comm^ Officers and
privates all of Norwich —
Place of rendezvous, Norwich
— They have no gun house but
will erect one as soon as land
can be procured on which to
place it
N ew London Cap* J ohn
French
2 6^^ These Guns are both indiffer-
ently mounted, particularly as
102
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Lyme
Saybrook
Pettipaug
Society
Killing-
worth
respects the quality of the
timber — They are however,
in good repair — and have
been well housed — The com-
pany to which these pieces are
annexed, consists of about 45
non Commissioned officers &
privates all of the Town of
New London — will erect a
Gun house provided a site can
be procured without great
expense —
Cap* Cha® This Gun, with its mounting
Harrison 1 6*^ &c. has had little care taken
of it, is less out of repair how-
ever than would be expected
— necessary repairs, to har-
ness principally, estimated at
10 dollars, ordered to be made
— The company to which this
gun is attached consists of 25
non C. Officers & privates all
of the Town of Lyme — They
have agreed to erect a Gun
House —
Cap^W“Bull 2 6*^ These guns are in excellent
order — The company to
which they are annex^ con-
sists of 43 N.C. Officers &
privates 25 of which are of
Pettipaug the remainder of
Saybrook — They have no
Gun house but will build one
immediately —
Cap^ Amariah 2 6*^ These Guns are well mounted,
Bray and in perfect order — The
Company to which they are
annexed is formed in equal
proportions from the Towns
of Killingworth and Haddam
— They will erect a Gun
house —
103
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
New Haven Cap^ Joseph A.
Bishop
2 6^*^ These pieces with their mount-
ings, are in good order except
one which wants bushing and
except the Harnesses — two of
which are entirely worn out,
and repairs necessary on the
others — Expense of repairs,
estimated at 30 dollars —
ordered to be made — The
Company to which they are
annexed, consists of 80 N.C.
Officers and privates all of the
Town of New Haven, except
20 of the Town of North
Haven — They will erect a
Gun house, provided land can
be procured for the purpose —
Bridgeport Cap*^ Anson
Sherman
1 6*^ In good repair — The company
to which this piece is annexed,
consist of 50 non commis-
sioned Officers and privates all
of the Town of Stratford ex-
cept a small number of the
Town of Fairfield —
Norwalk Cap^ Adam
Swan
1 6*^ This Gun was originally well
mounted, but has been much
neglected particularly since the
late war having been untill
inspected in the month of June
last constantly exposed to the
weather — Expense of making
the necessary repairs esti-
mated at 30 dollars — ordered
to be made, and the Gun con-
tinued in the hands of Capt.
Swan on his agreeing to erect
a gun house immediately —
The company to which it is
annex<^ consists of 25 non com
Officers & privates, all except
a small number of the Town
of Norwalk —
104
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Derby Cap*- Robert 1
Gates
6*** This piece was expensively
and well mounted and is now
in good repair except the vent
which requires bushing — The
company to which it is an-
nexed consists of 46 non.com.
Officers and privates princi-
pally of Derby — They will
erect a Gun House —
Arsenal
at Hart-
ford
Winchester
Arsenal at
Hartford
2 6**1 One of these pieces, was form-
erly attached to the Hartford
Artillery Company command-
ed by Cap* N. Johnson —
They are both in complete
repair —
Cap* M. Hayden 2
8
1
6**1 These were purchased in Dec*’
last and recently mounted at
New Haven — Delivered one
p your Excellency’s Order of
the 20th June last —
6**1 These Guns are a part of the
purchase made in Dec*" last
and were mounted at New
Haven — Each piece is fur-
nished with double harness
and every necessary imple-
ment all in good order —
6**1 Mounted at Fairfield by Cole
long — mounting badly constructed
and coarsely executed —
1 6**1 Mounted by Bradley without
short limbers
1 6**1 Mounted on travelling car-
wrought riage — apparatus complete
iron except double harness
1 4 Mounted at Stratford with a
short pair of low wooden wheels for-
ward instead of limbers —
Implements, in good order —
no Harness —
1 4 Mounted by N. Griffin Esq*"
long Guilford — It has no side
105
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
boxes, harness or implements
except drag ropes and hand
spikes —
9 6*^^ These are nearly new Guns,
and are a part of the purchase
made in Dec^ last — 2 of them
are long & heavy and would
bore to 9
2
6th
These are short and heavy and
4
6th
would bore to 9
Long and old Guns — but
1
4th
serviceable
Long French — Good
Iron Ordnance
1
3th
Remarks &c
Long & Heavy Gun — but
Arsenal
2
3th
serviceable
Badly corroded and of little
at Hartford
1
9th
value
Long and old, Knob broken
4
9th
off — mounted on Ship car-
riage.
Mounted on Ship Carriages
5
12th
— with implements for work-
ing them — In good order
Mounted on Ship Carriages
— With implements for work-
ing them in good order
Whole Num.
of Iron Guns 56
Hartford September 1815
JARED SCARBOROUGH Quarter Master General
Total Brass 6*^ Guns 16
Pomfret Cap^ Laban 1 3^^ This Gun has been shamefully
Fisher neglected although a hand-
some piece and originally well
mounted. Having been nearly
the whole of the time for the
last two years exposed to the
weather & frequently lent to
individuals — It was found on
the public ground near the
meeting house in Killingly —
This is of course much out of
repair — The vent required
106
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Danbury
Washington
Brass Ordnance
Where
Deposited
Bristol
bushing — trail transim, side
boxes, elevating screw & lim-
bers were broken — tompion
strap, trail handspike, and
harness gone — and the wheels
badly cracked — Capt Fisher
had but recently assumed the
command of the company to
which it is annexed — has
since completely repaired the
piece and furnished it with the
necessary apparatus at an ex-
pense of 36 dollars, and has
agreed to erect a Gun house —
the company to which this
piece is annex^ consists of 50
non com officers and privates
of the Towns of Pomfret &
Killingly in equal proportions
1 3*^^ This Gun is annex'^ to the
artillery company attach‘d to
16*^^ Regiment Commanded by
Col. Elias Starr and has been
stationed at Danbury on the
representation of Geffi G.
Smith, the necessary repairs
on the mounting and harness
were directed to be made,
under the superintendance of
Co^ Starr —
1 3*^^ This piece has been returned
good The carriage, unservice-
able— It is annexed to the
29^h Regiments and on the rep-
resentation of Gen^ G. Smith
the necessary repairs have
been ordered to be made —
Remarks &c
By whom No. Rate
commanded
1 3^^ This Gun is generally in good
repair — I have not inspected
107
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
it nor received any other than
a verbal return from the Cap-
tain who commands it —
Sharon
1
3th
Of this piece I have received
no return
Tolland
Capt“ Badger 1
3th
This Gun was originally
private property, but ceded to
the State and mounted at the
expense of the State in 1812 —
Arsenal at
Hartford
3
3th
These pieces are all in good
order — One of them is the
piece formerly attach‘d to the
Hartford Artillery Company
Commanded by Cap^ N.
Johnson — One of them was
originally attach^ to the artil-
lery Company at Bristol, the
commander of which expects
to recive it again — And the
other if I have been correctly
informed, was prior to the late
war attach^ to the artillery
company at Sharon —
Total Brass Guns 9
Iron Ordnance
Where By whom
Deposited Commanded
B r ookly n J edediah
Darby
They are in their present con-
dition unfit for service and it
is doubtful whether if they
were reamed out they would
not still be so — The vents
also require Bushing and the
limber wheels are of little
value — they have no elevating
screws, shot boxes or harness-
es— and most of the imple-
ments for working them are
worn out — They were origi-
nally individual property, and
badly calculated for the service
No. of Rate
pieces
2 3^^ These are old pieces and their
calibers extremely rough —
108
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Pomfret
Guilford
Norwalk
Fort Fenwick
they were designed for — The
company to which they are
annexed consists of 40 non
commissioned Officers &
privates, from the Towns of
Brooklyn Killingly, Sterling,
Plainfield & Canterbury — It
is a good company and the
officers are very desirous of
being furnished by the State
with better pieces — They
have a good Gun house at
Brooklyn, the usual place of
Rendezvous —
Cap^ Laban 1 3*^ This Gun was originally the
Fisher property of individuals and
was annexed to the Brooklyn
Company of Artillery — Its
mounting is unfit for service,
& the gun itself of little value
1 6^^ This Gun was during the late
Long war mounted by the Town of
French Guilford on Cart wheels —
If boxed, it might be made
servicable as a 6^^ perhaps as
a 9th
1
1
1
4th This Gun has never been
mounted — It was found in
the month of June last on the
public ground near the Town
house where it has been for
several years — Ordered to the
Arsenal in this City —
6th I Mounted on ship Carriage —
I This Gun was brot from Ston-
i ington during the war and
mounted for the use of the
[Fort here —
9th
Brot from New Haven, and
mounted in Ship Carriages —
These guns are both ordered
to the Arsenal —
109
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Simsbury
Capt Sereno
1
6th
This Gun has never been re-
Pettibone
turned by Capt Pettibone ex-
cept verbally — It is stated by
him to be unserviceable though
well mounted —
Ridgefield
1
4th
This Gun has never been
mounted — I have not seen it
— A return has been made of
it — Good
Watertown
1
6th
I have not examined this Gun
— It has been returned how-
ever — Good
Stamford
1
6th
These Guns I have not ex-
wrought
amined — The Wrought Iron
iron
is reported by Co^ Staples as
requiring to be bushed — and
the cast Iron as being a heavy
piece and capable of boring to
1
6th
a 9
[endorsed] Report of Q.M.G. de Ordnance
1. Sept— 1815 rec<* 8'^ Sept^
JARED SCARBOROUGH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:107]
Hartford September 1815.
His Excellency J. C. Smith,
Sir,
Inclosed, I have the honour to present your
Excellency with a report of the Field and other Ordnance, be-
longing to the State of Connecticut This report shows the
condition of the Guns, which are annexed to the artillery com-
panies, in the month of June last; at which time I personally
inspected, nearly the whole number which were not in the Ar-
senal. The orders which were then given to make repairs, were
considered necessary to the preservation of the pieces, and to
their usefulness to the companies, to which they are attached
These orders have probably before this, been executed, but
return on them, have as yet not been received
110
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
In consequence, of the injuries which have been extensively
sustained by the Field Artillery, for the want of adequate
security against the weather — I have endeavoured to encourage
the erection of Gun houses, at the expence of the several Com-
panies, in whose care pieces of cannon are placed, and have
informed them, of the resolve of the Geh^ Assembly which it ap-
pears has never been generally known, which entitles them to
Four Dollars P annum for the storeage of each Field piece
A considerable number of gun houses will undoubtedly be erected
the present season
I have also taken receipts from the Captains, having charge of
the pieces attached to their Companies, which receipts are not
to be cancelled or given up, but upon a similar receipt being
produced by their successors in Office — obligating them also,
to keep their Guns well housed to cleanse and oil the harnesses
when necessary, and make returns &C These receipts
though not made necessary by the Statute, I conceived I had a
right to take for the Guns then out, as no receipts at all have to
my knowledge ever been taken for them And I have
no question but beneficial consequences would result from taking
the receipts in all cases from the Captains, who have the im-
mediate care of the Guns, instead of taking them of the Briga-
diers who in many instances live at a distance from the place
where the Gun is deposited, can be expected to have no direct
agency in the care of it, and rarely if ever see it except on the
day of Regimental or Brigade inspection —
To the remarks respecting the ordnance, I have subjoined a few
facts respecting the location of the several artillery Companies,
whose guns I have personally inspected — with the hope that
if they are of no particular use, they will be acceptable to your
Excellency
I remain sir
with great Respect
your most Obedient & most Hlb® Srv*^
Jared Scarborough Quarter M Gen*
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
111
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Endorsed] Col. Scarborough enclosing his report, rec^ 8. Sept.
1815 answ^ D°
DECIUS HUMPHREYS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:108]
Canton SepE 5^^ 1815
Respected Sir The members of the Artillery attached to the
18‘*^ Reg^ of Militia feeling themselves on a level with other
Companies are extremely mortified that they have been neglected
so much beyond the other Companies of equal standing and would
request that your Excellency would take their present condi-
tion as to Ordinance into consideration and if their merits and
their services have claim to another piece that you would issue
an Order to that effect The ancient Militia Companies were fur-
nished with Brass Ordinance some with three Pound others with
one Six and one three Pound p[ieces] we consider our claim
equal to any other in the State to a Brass Six Pound piece and
do not know why the two Brass Sixes are with the New London
Company who previous to the war had but one Iron Gun and that
equal to their Company which is verry small Those pieces were
as we considerd intended for the Ancient Core Companies and
if it can be consistent would request that your Excellency would
releive us by giveing us one of those Pieces. The ambition of our
Company is going down which nothing but a compliance with
this request can raise Our Field training is on the 22°^^ ins^ at
Canton near the House of Capt Asher Humphreys and if this
arrangement could take place so that we might be furnished
then we should be extremely gratafied and consider ourselves
under the greatest obligations
I am your Excellencys
Obedient and humble Servant
Decius Humphreys
His Excellency John C Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Lieut. D. Humphreys 5. SepE 1815 rec^ 8. Sept.
answ* D° forwarded by M^ Perkins the Post —
112
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID JACKSON
Joseph Tomlinson of Derby, who claims to be a duly enlisted
private in the Company of Artillery, in the late Military
Corps of the State, has appealed to me from your sentence impos-
ing a fine upon him for neglect of duty in the Company under
your command
You are therefore hereby notified that I propose to hear
the parties at my Quarters in the City of New Haven on Fri-
day the 13*^ day of October next at l.oClock P. M. Untill which
time you will suspend the collection of the Fine above mentioned
Given under my hand the fifth day of September
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun-
dred & fifteen
John Cotton Smith
Captain General
I certify that at Derby on the 13 day of September 1815 I
left the original Order of which the within is a true Copy
with Capt. David Jackson within named
Indifferent person
Attest Abram Smith
[8:109]
State of Connecticut
To Captain David Jackson of the 2^^
Company in the 22^^ Regiment of Militia
Greeting
ENCLOSURE
[8:110]
Cap* David Jackson
Lu* Isaac Thompson
En“ Lewis Remer
William McNeil
Joseph H Riggs
George W Jones
Abiel Pierson
Horrace Bradley
Lewis Johnson
David Holbrook
Lyman Dailey
Russell Carpenter
Rows Stilman
Doc* I Short
113
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
James Short
Sheldon Tucker
Thomas G Yale
Almond Smith
Thomas P Davis
Isaac Marshall
Lewis Prindle
Augustus Nichols
Isaac English
Josiah Holbrook
John Lewis
Jabez C Thompson
Nathan S Swift
Samuel Hubbell
Nehemiah Turril
Calvin Burwell
Abijah Bassett
Henry Johnson
Isaac Smith
Joseph Smith
Abram Harger Ju^
Sheldon C. Curtiss
Giles Dailey
Philander Gillet
David Hotchkiss Jun*"
James Patchen
Joseph Tomlinson
[Endorsed] Cap^ D. Jacksons
LIST OF MEN LIABLE TO DO DUTY
[8:111]
Abiel Piersons —
Josiah Holbrook —
Jos. H. Riggs —
Sheldon C. Curtiss —
W“ McNeil —
John Fitch —
Geo. W. Jones —
David Hotchkiss Jr. —
Amond Smith —
Abram Harger Jr —
Raymond Dyer —
Isaac English —
William Dyer —
Tho^G. Yale —
Giles Dailey —
DocT J. Short —
Lyman Dailey —
William Gracie —
Isaac Marshall —
Nathan Cogers —
William Sparks —
David Lucey
Nathan S. Swift —
Rouse Stillman
Chauncey Baldwin —
Lewis Prindle —
Lewis Johnson —
Nison Foote —
Abijah Bassett —
Beers Hotchkiss —
Nehemiah Turrill —
Shelden Tucker —
Willard Barns —
Philemon Burritt —
Thos. P. Barns —
Horace Bradley —
David Holbrook —
Russell Carpenter —
114
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
James Short —
Isaac Smith
Jos. H. Smith
Samuel Hubbell —
Nathan Curtiss —
James Patchen
John Lewis
Joseph Tomlinson
Augustus Nichols
Jabez C. Thompson
Calvin Burwell
Henry Johnson
Philander Gillet
51
Geo. W. Jones was sworn & testified
the foregoing men with the exception of
Jn° Fitch are liable to do duty
Henry Johnson
Philander Gillet
John Lewis
Not old enough
[Endorsed] Roll for Capt. Jackson® Co
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID JACKSON
[8:112]
State of Connecticut ss
T 0 Captain David Jackson of the 2^^ company
in the 32^^ regiment of Militia — Greeting
Joseph Tomlinson of Derby, who claims to be a duly enlisted
private in the 3^^ company of artillery in the late Military corps
of the state, has Appealed to me from your Sentence imposing
a fine upon him for neglect of duty in the company under your
command
You are therefore hereby notified that I propose to hear the
parties at my Quarters in the city of New Haven on Friday
the day of October next Po’clock P. M. — Until which
time you will suspend the collection of the fine above mentioned
Given under my hand at Sharon the 5^*^
day of September AD 1815 —
J. C. S. Capt. Gerf
Sir
I have received your appeal & now enclose an order of notice
which you will cause to be delivered without delay to Capt.
Jackson by some indifferent person — Let the person who de-
livers the order give a certificate of the fact —
115
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
You will perceive by the order that I have appointed friday
the 13*^^ Oct. next To’clock P. M. for a hearing of the appeal
at my Quarters in the city of N. Haven —
I am Sir your ob^ ser^
M*" Jos^ Tomlinson
[Endorsed] Copy of order & letter —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO SERENO PETTIBONE
[8:113]
Sharon 8. Sept. 1815 —
I have just received a report from the Q. M. General of the
state of the ordnance — by which I am happy to perceive it will
probably be in our power to furnish the company under your
command with a brass 61b gun Instructions to this effect
are this day forwarded by mail to Col. Scarborough —
I am Sir respectfully
your ob^ Ser^
J. C. S —
Capt. S. Pettibone —
Sharon 8. Sept. 1815
Sir —
Your letter has been delivered to me by Perkins — The en-
closed addressed to Capt. Pettibone you are at liberty to read
& you will then be so good as to forward it to him —
I have been long anxious to furnish your company with
better ordnance — but found it impossible to do so until a
return should be received from the Q. M. General — The re-
turn has this day come to hand —
I am Sir your ob^ Ser* —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Pettibone & Lieut. Humphreys forwarded
by Perkins (Post) 9. Sept.
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JARED SCARBOROUGH
[8:114]
Sharon Sept. 8*^ 1815 —
O %T
Your report of the State of the ordnance is just received — I
116
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
have only time to observe that it is highly satisfactory & that
your arrangements in my opinion, are alike judicious and cor-
rect —
The Artillery Company attached to the Reg^ and com-
manded by Capt. S. Pettibone are extremely pressing for a brass
61b gun — lam disposed to gratify them, both because they are
a large & meritorious company and because the iron piece they
now have is stated in your report “as unserviceable” — It is
my desire therefore that one of the brass sixes in the Arsenal
should be delivered to Captain Pettibone upon the terms you
have recently prescribed in other cases — The other 61b. gun
will undoubtedly be reserved for the use of the Artillerists at
Hartford — I should be happy to furnish Capt Johnson’s fine
company with two pieces of like calibre & I trust we shall be
able to do so at no distant day — at present I hope they will
be satisfied with the number & quality of guns they possessed at
the commencement of the late war —
Your obedient & hum. ser*
Col. Scarborough —
[Endorsed] To Col. Scarborough Q. M. General —
PETITION FROM MIDDLETOWN
[8:115]
Middletown 22^ SepP 1815.
T 0 His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Sir
The undersign’d being subjects of military duty and
residing in Middletown in the districts of Staddle Hill & New-
field are desirous of forming themself s into a rifle company for
the following reasons
first. That the militia Company to which they now belong has
more than twice the number that is requir’d for one command
second, that the place of parade is so far distant as to occasion
much inconvenience
third that they would prefer doing duty in a rifle corps to any
other
117
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Shou’d your Excellency think proper to grant this petition you
will confer a favor on Sir with much Respect
Your Ob^ Hum'^ Ser^®
Alvin North
Selah North
Linus Hubbard
Johnathan Barns
Jared Wilcox
Asa Warner
Edward S. Cooley
Spencer Rust
Samuel Spalding
George Bidwell
Jonas Chapin
Abijah North
Ozias Case
Oliver Newton
Dennis Tryon
Selden Prior
Samuel Patten
Ira Crowfoot
Eli Wilcox
John Rogers
Morris Bailey
John Wilson
Davis S. Strong
Alfred Davis
Samuel Beckley
Jeptha Lewis
Johnathan Lewis
Johnathan Judd
Randal Covey
Samuel B Smith
John R Southmayd
Amos Lucas
Luther Starr
Samuel Bartlett
Joel Johnson
Daniel K Howell
Elihu Phelps
Elsworth Phelps
Daniel H. Smith
Ansel Lewis
Joel Clark
Horace Wetmore
James Hotchkiss
Abraham Warner
Paul Hammond
William A. Hall
Elisha Hubbard Jr
Johnathan Hart
Samuel Smith
Benjamin A. Bradley
Ezra Spencer
Amos Tolies
William Chapin
Simeon Parsons
John Patrick
Martin Griswold
William Hale Jr
James Yale
Edward Yeomans
Seth Hall
Julius Bowers
Chauncey Wetmore
A true copy from the original
Middletown. Jan^ 10^^ 1816.
Test Nathan Starr, Jr
118
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:116]
Printed form letter dated Washington September 25 1815
omitted in this publication.
AN ACCOUNT WITH THE UNITED STATES
[8:117]
The United States In Account with the State of Connecticut
for the following Expenses incurred by the State in consequence
of the War
Debtor
1812 To Eben'' Huntington Adj^ Gen^ for detach-
May 15 ing Militia under date 30 Ap^ 1812 12.00
1813 To W“ Williams Acc* May 1813 for Expense
July 13 repairing & Rent of building for an Arsenal
at New London, pursuant to Resolve of
Assembly 170.99
Nov. 18 To Ichabod Ward for loss by him sustained
in a Contract for supplying Troops at New
London &c with Rations per Resolve of
Assembly 200.00
27 To Eben'’ Huntington Adj Gen^ for services
on several Journies to New London &c from
17 May to 19^^ Nov. about defence of New
London & detaching Militia 147.62
1814 To Seth P. Staples for Journey to Hartford
May 24 & New London for duties Exellency 24.84
28 To Henry Champion for . . . ditto . . . d° d° 23.80
June 16 To Seth P. Staples for expences of exam-
ining & proving Iron Ordinance, borring
out the same & journey from Stonington to
Greenwich & Hartford 386.80
Sept. 10 To Seth P. Staples, expence of Journey
Hartford to New London for duties ExelP 18.00
22 To James Ward Com® Gen^ his account
Supplies to Troops at New London &c in
1813 allowed by the announcement of War
Department 17,102.30
119
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
30
Aug‘ 15
1815
April 26
May 19
20
Sep’’ 30
To ditto ... his additional Acc*^ & personal
Services in 1813 1,384.49
To Eben'’ Huntington Adj^ Gen^ for postage
& Stationary, Journeys to Hartford & New
London &c detaching Militia 92.72
To John Mix Q M Gen' for expenses in-
curred in 1813 & 1814 for transportation
of Baggage, Artillery amunition &c for
troop called out for defence of Sea Coast &c
Camp equipage, expenses barrack hire &
personal Services 13,240.90
To Grant of Assembly to W“ C Bull for
Injury by him sustained by the explosion
of an Amunition Box on duty at Pettypauge
in April 1814 27.92
To James Ward Com^ Gen' for Rations,
Straw, Wood, potatoes & Hospital expences
for Troops called out for defence of the Sea
Coast in 1814 26,316.00
To Hez'^ Goddard Pay Mas Gen' for the
Extra pay of the Troops called out in the
year 1813 at rate 2 doll p** month 8,357.98
To ditto ... for pay of Troops called out
1814 pay at 10 doll p^ m° 83,734.87
To John Mix late Q M Gen' additional acc'^
expence of Expresses, Transporta° &c 130.36
To James Ward Com®' Gen' ditto provisions
Hospital Expence &c 1,382.81
To Ebenezer Huntington Adj* Gen' for 2
Journies to New London to consult with
Gen' Cushing 20.82
To Arnold Foot for short pay of Detach'"
of Troops allowed by Commiss®”” 72.40
To Walter Buddington & W. Hotchkiss ex-
pence of erecting battery on the Pier at
120
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
New Haven, of Grant of Assembly for
that purpose (300j . . . am^ of Acc* 343.83 300.00
153,147.62
Creditor
1814
Sept 22 By advance made to James Ward Com®
General on Acc^ of supplies to the Troops
at New London in 1813 by the Department
of War
13,000.00
Sept 30 By John Mix Q M. Geff for Horses &
waggon sold
865.63
By ditto for advance made by the War
Department to him in Sep^ 1813
3,000.00
BILL REGARDING FISHNETS
IN LITCHFIELD PONDS
[8:118]
16,865.63
An Act to regulate the Fishery in the Ponds in Litchfield.
Be it enacted by the Governor and Council and House of Repre-
sentatives, in General Court assembled,
That no person or persons shall set, or draw any seine, or Net,
or other fish-craft, for the purpose of taking fish in either of
the Ponds in the Town of Litchfield on penalty of forfeiting the
sum of thirty four Dollars, the one half to the use of him who
shall sue for & prosecute the same to effect, & the other half
to the Treasury of the Town of Litchfield
General Assembly
October Session 1815
Passed in the Upper House
Attest
Thomas Day Sec^
Gen^ Ass. Octo Sess 1815
In the House of Repr dissented to
Attest S. P Staples Qk
[Endorsed] Bill de Fish-nets in Litchfield Ponds — P. U. H.
121
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
read Oct 12^^ 2^ nov postponed Refered to a Committee sig.
Mess North Sterling & Day 20^^ postponed H. R. N.
THOMAS DAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:119]
Hartford October 13. 1815.
Dear sir,
Since the receipt of your communication of the 21st ult° I
have made frequent enquiries for the Schooner Piper, Capt.
J. D. Ranney. I am informed that she has been in the River
ten or twelve days, but she has not yet got up. It is not probable
now that I shall be able to acquaint you with her arrival until
I meet you at New-Haven.
I have just taken from the Post-Office three copies of the
Journal of the House of Reps. U. S. third Session of the thir-
teenth Congress, directed to the Governour of this State, and
franked by the Assistant P. M. G.
I have lately forwarded copies of Statutes passed since the
last edition of the statute-book down to the present time, to the
Executives of Delaware, Maryland, North-Carolina, Ohio and
New-York. I had before forwarded similar copies to the Execu-
tives of Massachusetts New-Hampshire and Vermont. At the time
I came into this Office the business of distributing the statutes in
this State and abroad was done by the Comptroller. After I
had been in office two or three years, Mr. Colt handed me over
a number of volumes which had been forwarded to send to other
States, but gave me no list of such States as had been furnished
and such as had not been. I have therefore been, and still am,
in some degree, necessarily ignorant of my duty in relation to
this subject. If I could once get the business placed upon an
intelligible footing, I would endeavour to conduct it correctly.
With the highest respect
Your friend & obed* Serv^
Thomas Day
His ExcelP
Gov*‘ Smith.
122
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon —
15
[Endorsed] Secretary Day — rec^ 6. Oct. 1815
SAMPSON BENNET TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:120]
T 0 his Excellency John C. Smith Esq^ Cap^ General
and commander in chief of the Militia in the State of
Connectiuct The subscriber begs leave to state his Situation
in the Militia and to request if possible for the Commander in
chief to discharge him from military duty haveing served as a
soldier ten Years in the 6^^ Company Reg^ in May AD 1807
your petitioner was chosen Corporal and was in the Month of
May AD 1809 chosen a Sergeant in s*^ Company in the Month of
May AD 1814 the Cap* of s^ company having been discharg,d
the company was led to a choice the Youngest Sergeant was
appointed Lieutenant the Ensign of s^ Company haveing been
superceaded he was discharg,d in the same Month and the
company led to a choice and the Youngest Corporal appointed
Ensign I applied to the Colonel of the Reg* for a recommendation
to the Brigadier [Gen]eral for a discharge from Military duty
and obtained a [Rec]ommendation but the Brigadier General
haveing receivd an order from the Cap* General that Sergeants
were not to be discharged in no case I could not obtain one I
have continued in my post and was detach, d to perform a tour
of duty to Newlondon and went and performd the Same in the
Month of September last the Commander of s*^ Company have-
ing been dischargd the company was led to a choice of Officers
and the Youngest Sergeant was chosen Ensign and your peti-
tioner would beg leave to state that theer is no prospect of his
being promoted in office and that he has serv,d nearly seven
Years as Sergeant and that he has never fail,d to perform his
duty to the acceptance of the officers of s*^ Company and Reg*
and to be superceded by those who have never done duty in
s^ Company more than four Years gives a feeling to your peti-
tioner which is not agreeable I therefore pray the Cap* General
123
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
to discharge me from Military duty Dated at Sterling the 4^^
day of October AD 1815
Sampson Bennet
To his Excellency John C. Smith Esq^ Cap^ General Commander
in chief of the Militia in the State of Connecticut
Sir I would beg leve to state my Sitution in the Militia and
to request if Possible a discharge from Military duty I have
served as Sergeant in the 6*^ Company 21®*^ Regiment all most
five Years I have been superceeded three times and their is no
prospect that I should ever be promot,d was I to continue I
have allways endevourd to due [sic] my duty faithfully and have
never been censur,d by the officers of s*^ Company nor Reg‘ I
therefore desire the Cap^ General to discharge me from Mil-
itary duty
Gideon Perkins
His ExceW John C Smith Esq^ Commander in Chief of
the Militia in Connecticut —
The statement of the aforesaid Sampson Bennet and Gideon
Perkins Sergeants in the 6^^ Company 2P^ Reg*^ are correct and
their situation in the company can not be agreeable to them I
therefore recommend them to the Cap* General for a discharge
from Military duty I am with respect your humble Serv*
Plainfield October 9*^ 1815
George W Gordon Lieut* Colo* 2P* Reg*
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Esq** New
Haven
[Endorsed] Sampson Bennett & Gideon Perkins’s application
for discharges —
MEMORIAL AND PETITION
FROM INHABITANTS OF LITCHFIELD
[8:121]
T 0 his Excellency the Governor,
the Council & House of Representatives
of the State of Connecticut, to he Convened
in General Court at New Haven on the
second Thursday of October instant,
124
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
The Memorial & Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of
the Town of Litchfield, in said State, humbly sheweth :
That by great Exertion & considerable Expence, the Inhabi-
tants of said Town have introduced into the Pond, within the
Limits of said Town, an excellent Fish commonly Called
Pickerell, which have increased so as to become very useful to
the Inhabitants of said Town. Your Memorialists beg leave
farther to state, that since these Fish have grown to a proper
size to be taken, the Inhabitants of several other Neighbouring
Towns, not content with the priviliege of fishing with the hook
(which has never been denied them) have introduced seins, or
fish Nets into said Pond, & have taken great Quantities of our
fish by such means, to the great Annoyance & Injury of the In-
habitants of this Town
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that an Act may be
passed by this Gerf Assembly, totally prohibiting any & all Per-
sons from drawing a Seine or fish-Net in said Pond, for the
purpose of taking fish therefrom
And Your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, will ever Pray
Litchfield October 9^^ 1815
Oliv Wolcott
Lucius Smith
Ambrose Norton
Simeon Palmer Ju^
Rich^ Bradley
Ben jN Tallmadge
James Gould
Julius Deming
Tapping Reeve
Philip Wells
Moses Seymour Jun^
General Assembly
October Session 1815
The prayer of the foregoing Petition is granted
Attest. Thomas Day Sec^
Gen? Ass. Octo Sess. 1815
Elijah Adams
Aaron Smith
Stephen Clark
Morris Woodruff
Grove Catlin
Dan^ Sheldon
Uriel Holmes
Jn® R Landon
Horace Huntington
Charles G. Bennett
Orren Judd
125
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In the House of Repr The prayer of this Pet“ is Not Granted
Attest S. P Staples Clerk
[Endorsed] Memorial & Petition of Litchf*^ Inhabit® &c &c
G. U. H.
H. R. N.
PETITION FOR DISCHARGE OF
SERGT ISAAC STODDARD
[8:122]
The Subscribers being personally acquainted with Serg^ Isaac
Stoddard of the 3"’*^ Company 8^^ Reg* Connecticut Millitia are
of opinion that he ought to be discharged from military duty in
consequence of a lameness in his left wrist which has been
of long continuance & is considered as being incurable Groton
Otober 10**^ 1815
To his Excellency John C Smith
Cap* Gen* Connecticut Militia
Ralph Hurlbutt
Daniel Averill
Norman B. Brown
Alexander Allyn
Jabez Averill
Ebenezer P. Miner
DAVID HALL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:123]
Litchfield lO**' October 1815
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Capt
General
Sir
Having the honor to hold the office of first Lieut, in the
4**^ Company 1®* Reg* State Corps which office I have held, from
the organization of said Corps & the time for which said Corps
was raised having expired, I therefore take the liberty to tender
to your Excellency the resignation of the office aforesaid & pray
Your Excellency to Accept the same, together with my thanks
for the honor which has been confer ed upon me
126
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I am with sentiments of the highest consideration
Your Excellencys very Obedient
& very Humble Serv*
David Hall
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esq^ New Haven
[Endorsed] Lieut. David Hall Resignation in the Mil. corps —
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:124]
State of Connecticut
Head Quarters New Haven
13. Oct. 1815 —
Gen^ Orders
The Capt. Genl. having heard the appeal of Joseph Tomlinson
from the sentence of Capt. David Jackson of the 2°^ comp’' in
the 32^*^ Reg‘ imposing a fine of four dollars upon the said Joseph
for non appearance in said 2“^ company at their usual place of
parade on the first monday in May last, is satisfied from the
evidence that the said Joseph then was & now is a duly enlisted
private in the 3^*^ company of State-Artillery commanded by
Capt. Robert Gates — Accordingly the Capt. Gen^ directs that
the fine imposed as aforesaid be, & the same hereby is, abated —
Capt — Robert Gates or in his absence his first Lieut. Jno L.
Tomlinson will leave an attested copy of this order with
the said Capt. David Jackson without delay and transmit
the original with his report to the office of the Adjutant
General —
By order of the Capt. Gen^ —
[Endorsed] D^ of Gen^ order —
NATHAN WILLIAMS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:125]
East Haddam Oc* 14‘^ 1815
Sir,
Having served two years as commander of the Troop in
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
the Squadron of Cavalry (State Corps) & previously served up-
wards of twenty years in the Militia, and being feeble in health
I flatter myself I am entitled to a discharge from any further
services, under all these circumstances I beg Your Excellency
& the Honb^ Counsel to axcept my resignation of the command
entrusted to me in the I®*' Troop.
I have the honour to be your
Excellencies Ob°^ humb'^ Servn^
Nathan Williams Comm'^'* of the P* Troop in the
Squadron of Cavalry (state corps)
His Excellency John C. Smith.
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith New-Haven.
[Endorsed] Capt. N. Williams Resignation — State cavalry —
— Accepted oct. 1815
E. BRONSON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:126]
Philadelphia, 18th Octo"' 1815.
Dear sir,
Will you permit me to introduce to the acquaintance of your
Excellency, Cadwalader Evans, Esquire, a gentleman who has
long been an active and useful agent in the publick concerns
of this Commonwealth, and especially as a member of our legis-
lature. His object in visiting your state is the acquisition of in-
formation with a view to publick improvements in our own. He
is especially desirous of ascertaining the nature and extent of
the improvements which have been made or are now making in
the navigation of Connecticut river, in the hope of obtaining
useful hints in regard to the improvement of the navigation of
the Schuylkill. I am sure that Your Excellency will feel a pleas-
ure in communicating to Mr. Evans any information which you
may possess upon that subject, and also in referring him to
such other sources as may be known to you.
I remain. Sir,
Your Excellency’s most obedient
servant,
E. Bronson.
128
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
His. Excellency Gov. Smith.
[Superscribed] His Excellency, John C. Smith, Governour of
Connecticut. New Haven. Mr. Evans.
[Endorsed] M'‘ E. Bronson’s letter of Recommendation C. Evans
JOSEPH TOUSEY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:127]
T 0 His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^
Sir
When the State Corps was raised for the defence of this State
I had the honour of a first Lieutenant’s Commission in the 2^^
Company in the first Reg^ and served one Campaign at New Lon-
don, after which I had the honour of being by your Excellency
Commissioned as a Cap^ of said Company. Being a military ex-
empt at the time I accepted my first Commission and having
accepted that with a view to serve your Excellency and the
State during the then existing war, and that war having long
since terminated, I am induced to offer my resignation of my
office of Cap* of said Company, confidently hoping that your
Excellency will accept the same
I am Sir with Respect your
Newtown Oct. 28**^ 1815 Excellency’s humble Ser*
Joseph Tousey
His Excellency Gov^ Smith —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq"" New
Haven Conn* New Town 29*^ Ocff
[Endorsed] Capt. Tousey ’s resignation
STEPHEN SHELTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:128]
Plymouth October 28*^ 1815
T o His excellency
John Cotton Smith
Stephen Shelton would inform your excellency that in January
1813 your excellency did him the honour to appoint him an
129
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Ensign in the 8^^ Company and E Reg^ of State Corps formed
and established for the defence of the State and Command by
Cap* John Buckingham your Petitioner would further state that
upon [hi]s receiving his Commission equipt himself as the Law
directs has been in actual Service in two Campaigns the one at
New London the other at New Haven and has done his duty as
an Ensign in said Company ever since as the Law directs your
Petitioner would therefore request your excellency to take his
case in to your wise consideration and if consistent with the rules
and regulations of Military disipline to give him your Petitioner
an honourable dismission from the State Corpse and from Mili-
tary duty
I have the honour to be your
excellency most obedient friend
and humble Servant
Stephen Shelton
[Superscribed] His excellency John Cotton Smith New
Haven
[Endorsed] Lieut. Shelton’s resignation — State corps
ABEL FLINT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:129]
Hartford October 30. 1815 —
May it please your Excellency,
Your letter of the 25th. Instant was handed
to me on Saturday. As you have seen fit to appoint me “to
preach before the Honourable the General Assembly, at the
next anniversary Election,” I consider it my duty to comply
with your request, and shall therefore endeavour to perform
the service. I feel highly honoured by the appointment, and
am gratified with it as expressive of your approbation. I can
truly say, however, that I am induced to accept of it, not from
an ambitious desire to officiate on that public and important
occasion, but from deference and respect for your Excellency.
That the blessing of Heaven may attend you and your fam-
ily, and that you may be divinely assisted in discharging the
130
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
arduous duties of the station which you are called to fill, is
the sincere wish and ardent prayer
of your most obedient
and very humble Servant,
Abel Flint
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith New Ha-
ven—
[Endorsed] Rev*^ M*" Flint’s acceptance
RALPH HALL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:130]
Middletown 30^*^ Oct 1815
Dear Sir
In consequence of various inconveniences attending my holding
a Commission in the 3''*^ Troop Cavalry I must beg a Discharge
from that Corpse, in which I accepted a Commission as an ex-
empt from Military Duty I have attended to the concern
of S*^ Cavalry in Raiseing Equiping &C at no less expence than
two hundred Dollars without Receiveing any compensation
Wherefore I must Solicit your consideration for Relief
With Respect
Your Obd‘ Serveant Ralph Hall
Cornet 3'’*^ Troop Cavalry State Corpse
[Superscribed] John C Smith Esq at Newhaven Ct
[Endorsed] Cornet Ralph Halls resignation —
JOHN LESTER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:131]
T 0 his excellency John C. Smith Esq^
Dear Sir
The 7^'^ company of the 2^^ Reg*' of the late State Corps having
at the close of the war or at May Session la[s]t petitioned your
excellency to be organized an artillery Comp^" and attached to
the 8**^ Reg^ Con° Militia. Having now learned that the Artillery
131
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
are to be a sepperate Corps by an act of the Legislature at their
late Session Beg le[a]ve humbly to renew Petition by
the request and in behalf of s^ petitioners and some others be-
longing to said 7^^ Comp^ and to express to your excellency our
desire to become one of the companies to forme the two Reg*®
now authorised by the Hon* Legislature of this State believing
that a large and respectable company may be formed in this
Vicinity It would be very grattifying to your former petitioners
to be organised under the present Law if deemed expedient and
as in duty bound will ever pray
John Lester
Preston Nov'‘9**' 1815
[Superscribed] John. C. Smith Esq’’ Sharon Con°
[Endorsed] John Lester de forming Artillery comp, answ** in
affirmative by Ad. Gen* Huntington 16. Nov*" 1815
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:132]
Connecticut Militia
General orders
Nov^ 16. 1815 —
Conformably to the provisions of the Act for forming &
conducting the military force of this state passed at the late ses-
sion of the Legislature the Captain General has been pleased
to appoint the following gentlemen Judge advocates in the
respective counties —
to wit
Godfrey Scarborough Esq^ for the county of Hartford
Leonard E. Wales Esq^ for the county of New Haven
Henry Strong Esquire for the county of New London
Clarke Bissell Esq^ for the county of Fairfield
Simon Davis Jun^ Esq. for the county of Windham
Jabez. W. Huntington Esq’’ for the county of Litchfield
Jonathan Barnes Jun’^ Esq. for the county of Middlesex
Elisha Stearns Esq. for the county of Tolland —
and they are to be respected accordingly
132
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
CIRCULAR
[8:133]
Sharon 18. Nov'' 1815
Sir
Circular
By the new act for forming & conducting the military force
of this state the Captain General is authorized to call to his
assistance such officers of the Militia as may be necessary to
enable him to carry into effect several important objects pro-
posed by that act —
The Captain General is desirous of obtaining in the first in-
stance the advice and opinion of the Major Generals and Brig-
adier Generals of the militia relative to the reduction of the in-
fantry to the number of divisions and brigades prescribed by the
Legislature — For this purpose I have it in charge from His
Excellency to request your attendance with the other general
officers at Lewis’s inn in Farmington on the 19*^^ day of Dec''
next at 9’o’clock P. M. The officers when thus assembled will
constitute a board at which Major General Cowles will preside,
to take into consideration the most advisable mode of forming
the divisions & brigades of infantry agreeably to the act — as-
signing the limits of each, and report their opinion to the Cap-
tain General at as early a day thereafter as may be convenient
— The Adjutant General is directed to attend the board with
such documents as may serve to aid them in their deliberations —
You will perceive Sir the great importance of a ready &
punctual compliance with this request —
By order of the Captain General —
[Endorsed] D'' of Orders for a Board of Geffi off. 19. Dec'' 1815
— at Farmington —
WILLIAM TROWBRIDGE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:134]
Middletown No'' 25^^ 1815
Sir by your Eccellencys order to Cap*
Hubbard discharging him from Military duty untill further or-
133
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ders, together with his orders to me the command of the Third
Troop Cavalry State Corps devoves upon me, I beg, should
it be consistent with the new plan of organization of Militia
Gen rally (and Capt Hubbard considered as wholly discharged)
that your Eccellency would order that the said Troop be led
to the Choice of officers to fill the vacancies accasioned by the
resignation of Capt Hubbard — The interest and honor of
the Troop require that our imperfect state should be more com-
plete by what I can learn from the Members of the Troop
Generally it is their wish to remain as Cavalry Your Ec-
cellency will please to direct in regard to future enlistments
Your Excellency most Obedient Servant
Trowbridge
His Eccellency John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Eccellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
Connecicut
[Endorsed] W“ Trowbridge 25. Nov"" 1815 de state cavalry —
Rec** & Answ^ 2. Dec^
ABRAHAM I. CHITTENDEN TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:135]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire Cap^
Gen^ Con^ Militia —
Sir,
There are about thirty men within the Town of
Guilford belonging to the 5‘ Compy 2^ Reg^ State Troops which
I have the honor to command, & who are generally anxious
to be formed into a company of light artillery — The remainder
of my company amounting to about 20 men reside in the Town
of Branford & it is very inconvenient that the whole should be
formed into one company, as many of the men in that case,
would be from 16 to 20 miles distant from each other. But
could I be allowed by your Excellency to enrol such of the
state troops residing in the Town of Guilford, as choose to
belong to an Artillery Company, & fill the Company by enlist-
134
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
ments from the militia in Town, a company could be im-
mediately formed without reducing the Militia Companies below
thirty six rank & file, & such an arrangement would be very
gratifying to the feelings of the inhabitants, who from ex-
perience are convinced that artillery is much the most efficient
military force in a Town situated as ours is
Where for the undersigned begs of your Excellency to grant
him liberty to enrol such of the State Troops ,& militia residing
in the Town of Guilford, as may be necessary to fill an Artillery
Company & to give to some meet person orders to lead said
company so enrolled to a choice of officers, laying such re-
strictions upon the enrolment as your Excellency may deem
proper —
The undersigned is very respectfully
Your Excellency’s
Most ob‘ & very hum^ ser‘
Ab^ J Chittenden
Cap‘ 5 Co. 2^ Reg^ state Troops
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith, Esq"" Capt
Gen^ Coffi Militia, Sharon, Connecticut Guilford Nov 29
[Endorsed] Capt. A. J. Chittenden 29. Nov"" 1815 rec*^ & answ^
6. Dec*"
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
[8:136]
Sharon 2. Dec*' 1815
/)*■ Sir
In the copy you left with me of our sketch of the new divisions
& brigades the town of Marlborough seems either to have been
overlooked — or by mistake retained in the first division —
It must probably compose a part of the second division — and
in exchange for it I am inclined to believe the town of Wolcott
in N. Haven county should be added to the first brigade — I also
apprehend we shall not make the second brigade sufficiently
135
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
strong without including therein the town of Waterbury — It
should be considered that very many of our young men on the
coast will be concerned in navigation — we ought therefore to
throw a larger population into the regiments on navigable
waters than in the interiour — Indeed having amused myself
since your departure with running out the limits of regiments,
I find an insuperable difficulty in the arrangements for the
second brigade without comprehending the town of Waterbury
— These things I suggest for consideration when you meet the
General officers —
Our complement of eight artillery is now full & I fear to
overflowing — Consequently future applications from the late
state troops must be limited either to horse artillery or riflemen
— both of which corps it is desirable to fill speedily
Expecting to see you after your attendance at Farmington I
am in the meantime D*" Sir &c
[Endorsed] To the Adj*' General — 2. Dec^ 1815
RETURN OF THE MATROSS COMPANIES
[8:137]
A return of the Metross Companies of the State of Connects
cut . . . dated at Norwich 2 December, 1815. Statistics omitted
in this publication.
RECOMMENDATION FROM
NATHANIEL SMITH AND NOAH B. BENEDICT
[8:138]
Woodbury DeU 4^^ 1815
We the subscribers are of opinion that John P Marshall of
Woodbury is a suitable character & well qualifyed to execute
& discharge the duties of a Notary Publick
Nathaniel Smith
Noah B Benedict
[Endorsed] Certificate de Notary publick
136
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
INSPECTION RETURNS
[8:139-141]
Inspection Returns 1815. Statistics omitted in this publication.
NATHAN PRESTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:142]
Woodbury Dec"' 1815
Sr
Agreeable to your directions I have procured a certificate for
the appointment of John P Marshall a Notary Publick & have
enclosed it I wish the appointment to be forwarded by letter
to either him or me
I am with respect your
Excellencys most obedient
& humble servant
Nathan Preston
His Excellency
Jn° C Smith Esq*"
[Superscribed] His Excellency Jn° C Smith Esq"" Sharon
[Endorsed] Nathan Preston Esq. de Notary Public
JOHN BUTLER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:143]
Durham December 6^^ 1815
Dear Sir
The Company of State Troops of wich I have the Command
met last week to confer together respecting petitioning your
Excellencey to form them into an Artillery or Rifel Company
the Question arose respecting the Uniform & extra Equipments
beyond wich we are now furnished of wich facts they wished me
to enquire of you by letter, also whether we could not continue
unbroken and be attached to the redg^ of Militia as A flank
Company if so whether our presant uniform would answer with-
out material alteration
I would further represent to Your Excelencey that empeld by
the ardore of my fealings when I vewed my Country Drawn
137
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
into an unpolitic war thretened by foreign foes & domestic dis-
contents I reddily embark*^ in its Cause but the return of peace
and having arive to the Forty fourth year of my age with a
numerous family of Smal[l] Children and declining health all
Serve to Dampen my Military ardor, although I feel the Most
lively sence of gratitude to your Excellencey for the respect
shown me in the appointment receved and for the reasons above
stated the same emmotions would bee [sic] heightened by a dis-
missal from Military duty I would further represent that the
first Lieutanant of our Company for the year past been troubled
with deafness and has not appeared at Company Exersise and
has now left America & Calculates for some time to reside in the
west Indies for wich reason I would Suggest the Expediancy of
Advanceing the Second Lieutenant to be Cap'' the Ensign to be
Lieutenant and Advancing M"’ Joseph Tuttle the first Sergent
to a Commition
I am With Respect
your Excelenceys most
Obedient & Humble
Servent
John Butler
Cap'' of 6 Company of
2 Reg* of State Troops
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Sharon C''
[Endorsed] Capt. John Butler 6. Dec^ 1815 red^ & answ"^ 8**"
Rifle corps — & his discharge —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
ABRAHAM I. CHITTENDEN
[8:144]
Sharon 6. Dec*" 1815
Sir —
Your letter is just received —
By the new militia-act the Light Artillery is to consist of only
twenty four companies — and we have already that number en-
gaged. — Some of the old artillery companies indeed unless they
138
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
are speedily recruited must be reduced. In which case there
will be an opportunity for others to be formed and I should in
that event most cheerfully accede to your proposition of raising
a company of Light Artillery in the town of Guilford — But as
such an arrangement is quite uncertain would it not be advisable
for you to form a company of Horse Artillery — It is un-
doubtedly the most efficient force that can be employed and
is eminently calculated for sea coast defence — Should your
company incline to enter this Corps they shall be accepted, and
liberal instructions given for further enlistments —
I feel with you & the other inhabitants of Guilford a strong
desire that an artillery company of some kind should be located
in that town —
If your company however prefer to become Riflemen I will
readily accept them in that character & will give you orders to
recruit the requisite additional number from the Infantry —
I am Sir respectfully &c —
Capt. Chittenden
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BUTLER
[8:145]
Sharon 8. Dec*" 1815
Sir
Your letter of the 6^*^ instant is received — The corps of Light
Artillery is full — and we have already more flank companies
in the militia than the new arrangement allows — It follows that
the late State-troops unless they choose to return to militia in-
fantry must either become Horse Artillery or Riflemen —
Having a high sense of their merit I shall be very happy to re-
ceive them into either of those two corps
Should your company incline to become Riflemen I will cheer-
fully accept them as such — allow them to wear their present
uniforms and give them a reasonable time to procure other
equipments required by the Act — After they are accepted
as part of the Rifle corps or as horse-artillery if they prefer
it I will comply with your request for an honourable discharge
139
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
& issue ordees to lead the company to a choice of officers, &
if they are not full to recruit the requisite number from the
infantry —
Capt. Jn® Butler
I am Sir respectfully your
ob'Ser^J. CS —
DAVID DEMING TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:146]
Colchester Decb’’ 1815
Dear Sir
I have the honour to acknowledge the recp^ of your Excellen-
cies favour of the 16^*^ ins* I shall most cheerfully, though with
deference to your superior judgment, communicate my ideas
upon the points suggested. I fully concur in opinion with your
Excellency that the sooner the surplus reg*® of Cavalry are
derange the better, various reasons induce me to believe that
all the Cavalry prescribed by the late act of the Legislature
should be placed in the centre of the State, & equally impor-
tant that the Horse Artillery should be located upon the sea
Coast, whether this mode would be expedient, I am not now
prepared to say. I expected the regiments upon the Sea Coast
ere this, would have offered their services as Horse Artillery,
& am of opinion that nothing but a want of correct information
upon the subject, & a fear of subjecting themselves to the ex-
pence of purchasing a uniform prevents. Were a Geffi order
issued requiring the several comm***® of reg*® to convene, for
the purpose of conferring upon the subject of filling the ranks
of the Horse Artillery &c, I am persuaded a plan would be
recommended, acceptable to your Excellency, & satisfactory to
the Corps. Indeed under all circumstances I know of no mode
so well calculated to effect the object desired
I have the honour to be your Excellencies
Obedient & humble servt
David Deming
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
140
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
Con, Colchester, Con. Decern'' 22.
[Endorsed] Col. Deming — de cavalry —
[8:147]
Report on Connecticut Militia relative to census, year not
given. Omitted in this publication.
ABSTRACT OF RETURNS OF INFANTRY
[8:148]
Names & rank of Colonels
Col° James Loomis 1 reg^ resides in Windsor appointed
May 1815
Elisha Hull
2^
New Haven
Octo'- 1813
William Moore
3
Waterford
May 1812
Gershom Burr
4
Fairfield
Octo'- 1811
David Young
5
Windham
Octo'- 1815
Martin Kellogg
6
Wethersfield
June 1813
John Brainerd
7
Haddam
Octo" 1813
William Belcher
8
late of Griswold
now of New London
1 May 1810
Ebenezer Mead
9
Greenwich
June 1814
Vacant
10
Zephaniah Williams
11
Pomfret
Octo'' 1813
Cornelius Shepard
12
Hebron
June 1813
William French
13
Southbury
May 1815
Jesse Smith
14
Salisbury
May 1815
George Cowles
15
Farmington
May 1815
Elias Starr
16
Danbury
June 1814
Russel C. Abernethy
17
Torrington
May 1815
Arnold P. Humphreys 18
Canton
May 1815
Francis M°Clean
19
Vernon
May 1815
Freeman Tracy
20
Lisbon
June 1813
George W. Gordon
21
Plainfield
June 1814
Elijah Smith
22
Tolland
Octo'- 1813
Daniel White
23
Chatham
May 1815
141
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Joshua Bulkley
24
Colchester
May 1815
Nathaniel Hey don
25
Hartland
May 1815
Lemuel Porter
26
Waterbury
Octo^ 1815
Benjamin Baldwin
27
Guilford
June 1814
Daniel Burritt
28
Trumbull
June 1814
Philo Mills
29
Kent
May 1815
William Randall
30
Stonington
Octo^ 1811
Amariah Kibbee
31
Somers
May 1812
William Fenn
32
Milford
Nov”* 1814
Asa Comstock Jun^
33
Lyme
May 1812
William Belden
34 no return
George King
35
Sharon
June 1814
[Endorsed] Abstract of Returns of Infantry under the Geffi
order of the 26^^^ Dec^
1815
—
STRENGTH OF DIVISIONS
[8:149]
Strength of Divisions, Brigades Regiments as collected
from the returns under General Orders of 26th December 1815.
Omitted in this publication.
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:150]
Printed copy of document 8:151
GENERAL ORDERS
[8:151]
State of Connecticut
26. Dec*- 1815
General orders —
A report has been submitted to the Captain General from the
board of General officers assembled at Farmington on the
19‘^ instant for the purpose of considering the most advisable
mode of forming the divisions and brigades of Infantry pur-
suant to the late Act of the General Assembly — Although a
final decision upon the report must be deferred until further
142
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
measures are adopted, the Captain General feels it nevertheless
due to the gentlemen of the board to express his particular
approbation of the readiness & punctuality with which they
entered upon the duty assigned to them, and his high satisfac-
tion at the perfect harmony and unanimity which have marked
their proceedings — Such an example of correct and honourable
conduct cannot fail to be productive of the happiest effects. —
The Captain General is fully persuaded that in the arrangements
still to be made the same commendable spirit will be displayed
by the great body of his fellow-citizens composing the militia,
and that supported and encouraged by their countenance &
cooperation he shall be enabled to execute the provisions of the
act in a manner satisfactory to them as well as advantageous to
the state.
To carry the views of the Legislature into effect the fol-
lowing returns are required — towit —
1. A complete roll from the Commanding officer of each lo-
cated company of infantry, of all the persons within his beat
who are liable by law to perform military duty ; designating the
rank of the officers, the dates of their commissions & the day
from which they take rank ; also the town and parish in which
the officers, non commissioned officers, musicians & privates re-
spectively reside; noting likewise what number of individuals
within the same limits belong to any enlisted company whether
of Governour’s Guards, grenadiers. Light Infantry, artillery,
cavalry, or state troops, agreeably to the form hereunto subjoined
— which return is to be delivered to the commanding officer of
the regiment & by him forwarded to the Brigadier General, who
will transmit the same to the Adjutant General by mail carefully
enclosed and endorsed Military returns & signed with his name
& office —
2. The Commanding officers of the regiments of Infantry in
each brigade will make a return to the Brigadier General (to be
by him transmitted in like manner) of the field officers, their
names, rank, date of their commissions & places of residence;
likewise the names and places of abode of their commissioned
and non-commissioned staff. Also where either Artillery corn-
143
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
panics, or enlisted flank companies have been attached to their
regiments they are requested to specify the date of the formation
of such companies as far as the same can be ascertained
The returns above mentioned must reach the office of the
Adjutant General by the day of February next, and sooner
if practicable
Such companies of Infantry, of Cavalry or of the late State-
troops as are desirous of being formed either into Riflemen or
Horse Artillery (the corps of Light artillery having already its
complement of companies) are requested to communicate their
intentions at as early a day as may be convenient by presenting
an application for that purpose, addressed to the Commander in
chief & subscribed by the officers & men —
By order of the Captain General
E. H. Adj‘ Gen' —
[Endorsed] General Order 28. DeC 1815
JOHN BUTLER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:152]
Durham Dec*' 26^^ 1815
Sir
Your Letter of the 8 instant is Receved wich informed us that
the Light Artillery are all taking up, but we have Agread to
Accept of A Rifle Company, if you see fit to accept us as Such
I Cant say that all that we have now inlisted will accept of it for
thay[sic] are Some pedlers & they are not at home but we have
now about 60 & I Expe[c]t About 45 or 50 of our presant Com-
pany will accept & I think there will not be aney[sic] dout but
that we Can get A full Company in A short time & we further
wish you to inform us what length of time we can have to Equipt
our Selves I Am with Respect your
Most Obediant Servent
John Butler
Cap* of 6 Company
of State Troops
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Sharon Con-
necticut Durham Dec 28**^
144
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Endorsed] Capt. J. Butler — 28. Dec'’ 1815 Rec^ & answ*^ 30^^
de Rifle corps —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BUTLER
[8:153]
Sharon 30. Dec'’ 1815
Sir
I have just received your letter of the 28*^^ instant and
it is with real pleasure I learn that the late 7’^^ comp, state troops
are disposed to join the Rifle corps — To carry their views
into effect it will be necessary for them to present an application
for that purpose in form, addressed to the Captain General and
Subscribed by the offlcers and men — The officers will retain
their command unless excused or discharged In the latter case
orders will be issued for the company to be led to a choice of
others to fill vacancies — They will be allowed in the first in-
stance to recruit from the militia at larg, excepting enlisted com-
panies it being desirable to fill all the select corps if possible
before we proceed to organize anew the companies & regiments
of infantry
The company may propose a time within which it will be con-
venient for them to equip — and if not unreasonably distant I
shall be heartily disposed to gratify them — They will be allowed
to wear their present uniform as mentioned in my last —
I am Sir your ob^ se'’
Capt. Butler —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
[9:1]
Sharon 4. Jan^ 1816 —
D'’ Sir
I am satisfied upon reflection that it is expedient to consult
the Colonels of cavalry relative to the arrangements for that
corps & the Horse Artillery. It is particularly desirable to interest
their feelings in favour of the latter — I have accordingly pre-
145
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
pared the foregoing order with which you will be pleased to do
the needful — The new Register will give the names of the
present Colonels of Cavalry — In the 4th division I perceive
there are two of recent appointment — towit — for the 6*^^
regiment Abram Burt of Canaan North society — and for the
gth regiment Daniel B. Brinsmade of Washington. As both these
gentlemen tho’ in post towns live at some distance from the
post road would it not be well to endorse a request that the
post master would take pains to forward the letter — If you
are in doubt as to the places of residence of any of the other
gentlemen perhaps it will be safest to enclose in such cases to
the Brigadier
You will of course be at Hartford when these officers convene
and it is my present intention to meet you there by the time
the gentlemen shall have agreed on a report, say the 15^^ Feb^
I propose to be at Litchfield on the 14^^^ — Should any thing
extraordinary prevent my going I shall hope for the pleasure of
seeing you at my house —
The Secretary has not yet forwarded blank commissions for
the Judge Advocates as I expected — As soon as they are received
I shall send you a Gerf order announcing the appointments —
By this time I trust the Gen^ order of the ult° is in circu-
lation — You will not forget to send me a printed copy
In haste I am D** Sir sincerely
yours J. C. S —
Applications begin to come in from
the cavalry for admission into the
Horse Artillery — I shall postpone a
decision upon them until after the
above meeting of the Colonels —
[Endorsed] To Gen^ Huntington 4. Jan^ 1816 — Gen^ order
CIRCULAR
[on back of leaf 9:1]
To Commandant of
Sir
By the late “act for forming and conducting the Military
N.B.
Adj* Gen»
Huntington —
146
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
force of this State” a Brigade of cavalry is to be organized
consisting at most of five regiments ; consequently a reduction
of the present number of regiments seems indispensable — By
the same act also provision is made for the formation of two
regiments of Horse Artillery and authority is given to the Com-
mander in chief to accept such companies or portions of cavalry
as may be disposed to enter that corps. — To reduce the cavalry
in a manner most agreeable to that respectable body of men and
also to fill the ranks of the Horse Artillery by a method the best
calculated to increase the effective force of the State are Subjects
which merit our attentive consideration — It is on these points
particularly that the Captain General is desirous of obtaining
the opinion of the Lieutenant Colonels commandants of the
respective regiments of Cavalry — Accordingly, I have it in
charge from His Excellency to request your attendance with
the other commandants at Ripley’s Inn in Hartford on the
14th day of February next at 1 : o’clock P.M. — The officers
when thus assembled will confer together upon the subjects
above mentioned & report their opinion thereon to the Captain
General at as early a day thereafter as may be convenient —
You will perceive Sir the importance of a ready & punctual
compliance with this request —
By order of the Capt Gen^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO AMAZIAH BRAY
[9:2]
Sharon 6, Jan^ 1816
Sir
I wrote you on the 16^*^ Nov^ last — but having received no
further intelligence from you or your associates I am in doubt
whether it is still your desire to be formed into a company of
Light Artillery — If such is your intention be pleased to let me
be informed of it without delay — an order has been prepared,
and if you are organized should bear its date for the purpose of
giving you your just precedence — The applications for Light
Artillery companies have been numerous beyond my power to
147
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
grant — But I have reserved room for your early application if
you are disposed to pursue it
I am Sir with much regard
Your ob^ Ser‘ —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Bray 6. Jan^ 1816 —
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:3]
Norwich 10^^ January 1816
Dear sir
I avail myself of the blank half sheet, on the few copies of the
General Order of the 26 Ult° printed for the General Officers
to acknowledge your excellencys favour of the 4*^ of this month
& to comply with your request for a copy
The order was printed & put into the Post Office on the 3*^
instant for the Brigadiers with a printed copy for each Com-
mandant of a regiment, and one for each company of Infantry,
Grenadiers, Light Infantry Cavalry and State Troops, which
I presume have reached their destination I also in-
closed a copy to each Major General to Colonel Shepherd, CoP
Sanford Col’ Whittlesey & Major Copeland
On my return from Sharon I called on Captain Buell at
Marlborough on the subject of having his company associate for
a Rifle Corps & am persuaded it will be effected I
also called on CoP Deming respecting reducing the Cavalry
&C he informed me he had written very fully to your
excellency on the subject of reducing the Cavalry in reply to
your letter to him
I shall calculate to be at Hartford at [the] time mentioned by
your excellency, say the 14*^^ Feb^ & if do not find your excellency
at Hartford I shall proceed to Sharon with the result of the
opinion of the Colonels of Cavalry when obtained
With my respects to M^® Smith
I subscribe very respectfully yours
Eben : Huntington
148
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon C
Land® Jany 17
[Endorsed] Adj’' General — 17. Jan^ 1816 wrote him 27*^ Sent
Gen^ order de Judge Advocates — Capt. Bull
Col. King
ELISHA COLT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:4]
Controllers Office February 10^^ 1816
His Excellency Governor Smith
Sir
I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s
Letter of the 31®*^ ult° on the 7^^ Ins* by Perkins the news
carrier — and I wish it was in my power to answer it more to
your satisfaction than I am able to do
The claims of this State against the United States have not
been made out — and of course not transmitted to Washington
All expences incurred by this State in consequence of the
War I have placed to the debit of the United States, whether
specially authorized by the General Goverment or not
the greater part of our expenditures are included in the Ac-
counts of the Pay Mas^ Gen* — Quarter Mas^ Gen* & Com-
missary Gen* The Pay Master General has not
setled any account since the 20**^ May 1815 (reported to the
General Assembly last October) but has at different times since
transmitted a number of Pay Rolls, some of them not footed,
some not even computed as to the amo* of pay to the individuals
■ — and without an Abstract of the Amount — they have as yet
been but partially examined, but will amount to about Seven-
teen hundred Sixty dollars
I trust the greater part of the payrolls are now in, and he is
probably waiting the opportunity of some other business to
Hartford to settle his Accounts
In Maj'' Goddards setled accounts the payrolls exhibited for the
service of the Troops in 1813. is computed at two dollars per
149
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
month {being the extra pay allowed by the State) — In the
payrolls for service in 1814 the full pay of ten dollars is made
up — In both cases I have charged the whole to the United
States — I understood by M'' Goddard that he was directed by
your Excellency to take seperate Setts of payrolls — ^ — one for
the amount of pay allowed by the United States, and the other
for the State allowance — but as the District pay Master was
not in funds, or would not pay — he made out one sett of the
payrolls at the rate of ten dollars per month, and they have been
setled in that form in this office — the other sett he has retained
in his own hands by your instructions, to be delivered the District
pay Master, who was the expected would be able to discharge
them in two or three months and when obtained he was to pay
the amount to the Treasurer of the State.
Col° Mix’s accounts as Quarter Master General have been
setled — but since the appointment of CoP Scarborough no ac-
count has been exhibited in a form to be setled untill within
fifteen days he is not now confident that all the claims upon
him have been made these accounts will be examined
as soon as I am able to attend at the office (/ have been confined
nearly four weeks to my House)
The Commissary Generals accounts are all closed, with the
exception of some small claims referred to a Committee by the
General Assembly A part of CoP Wards accounts was for
supplies furnished the Troops while under the Command of the
officers of the State — and will probably be disallowed by the
Accounting Offices of the Treasury at Washington — No sep-
erate Account was kept by him for issues to the Troops while
under the command of State officers.
When CoP Scarboroughs Accounts are setled, it does not
appear to me that the whole of the just claim of this State
upon the United States, can be assertained, as a very considerable
quantity of Ammunition besides arms &c expended and wasted
in the course of the war ought to be charged over And
the quantity of munitions of war on hand before the purchases
made within ten or fifteen years by the State — I have not
the means at present of assertaining.
150
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I was last fall aware, that loss of Interest at least, would be
sustained by the State from the accounts remaining so long
unsetled — even provided the District pay Master should pay
for the service of the Troops, but saw no way then to remedy
the evil And I expected that the General Assembly would
in October have taken some order on the subject if they had
contemplated having our Accounts transmitted to Washington
during the winter.
The Resolve of Assembly directing me to charge all expences
incurred by the State in consequence of the war to the United
States would not allow me to omit any of them in making our
claim — and as the unauthorized charges would not have been
allowed — I do not see how the State would at this time have
been benefitted had our [ac] counts been transmitted to Wash-
ington —
I have written Maj"" Perkins District paymaster agreable to
your direction. — As soon as I have his answer will loose no
time in forwarding it to your Excellency — together with a
statement of our account with the United States — as the
same stands on the Books of the Office
I am with great Respect
Your Excellencys most Obedient Serv^
Elisha Colt
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith now in
Hartford
[Endorsed] Letter from y® Comptroller relative to demands
against the U. States — Rec*^ 16. Feb^ 1816
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:5]
„ Killingworth Tan. 13^^ 1816
His hxcellency
J C Smith
Sir — Your communication of the 6^^ Inst, was re-
ceive by last mail — I regret extremely that there has been so
much delay in answering your letter of the 18*^^ of Nov. but it
seemes to have been unavoidable — Immediately after receiving
151
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
that communication — I called a meeting of the Members of the
former Artillery Company — & directed them to take measures
to obtain the required number of men — without delay
The 4 suceeding weeks, I was unavoidably absent attending our
Sup Court. In this County. Since that time untill last week
I have been confine*^ to my House by 111 health, not able to
attend to any thing.
The enlisting has progressed very slow — partly perhaps
for the want of Attention — but more from a stronge Demo-
cratic opposition, a class of beings very numerous in these parts
— whose only creed is that the military save in this vacinity
shall be exclusively commanded by Democratic Officers
our Enrollment at present contains about 34 — It is a season
of the year when there is less ambition about military afairs
the business will be attended to without any further delay
— & completed the present we[e]k the members of the
former Company are very anxious on the subject & have re-
quested me to delay the returns one week more. & are confident
of success — I have however considered It my duty in the mean
time to suffer no further Delay in giving your Excellency full
Information on the Subject our returns — [contjaining
the application & enrolment [ ] be forwarded to your Excel-
lency, a[s] soon as the first of next week I hope your
Excellency will pardon the delay
I am very respectfully
Your Excellency,s
Obt. Serv*
A Bray
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of
the St. of Connecticut Sharon Killingworth Jan^^ 15th
[Endorsed] Capt. Bray — Rec^ 26. Jan^ 1816
WILLIAM BULL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:6]
Saybrook January 15^^ 1816
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Cap,t General
152
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Dear Sir I have received a General printed Order Dated
December 26^^ 1815 from Adg‘ General Huntington in which it
is stated that, “Such companies of Infantry, of Cavalry or of the
late State Troops as are desirous of being formed either into
Riflemen or Horse Artillery (the corps of Light Artillery have-
ing already its com[ple]ment of companies) are requested to
communicate thier intentions at as early a day as may be con-
venient, by presenting an application for that purpose, addressed
to the Commander in Chief and subscribed by the officers &
men.’^
To which printed order is Subjoined in writing the following
remark (viz “If your Company doth not associate and form a
Corps of Riflemen or Horse Artillery agreably to the provisions
of the law; you will please forward a compleete roll of the
names of all the persons belonging to the Company with the
dates of the officers Commissions & the Town & Parish in
which they and each person in the Company reside”. On perus-
ing this order I was unable to satisfy myself of the precise mean-
ing or Intention of it as relative, to the Company which I have
the honor to Command.
I had supposed that it was a primary object with the Executive
to retain and organize as large a portion of the Light Artillery
near the sea board as practicable. And that as my company have
had a very considerable experience in the use of ordinance, and
that we should be organized as Artillery under the law of October
last as a matter of Course ; without any new-or formal Applica-
tion of the whole Company, and a very sore disapointment it
would be to it, to be deranged or transferred to any other Corps.
Ever since this Company has ben Organized as Millitia I could
at any time have filled it with Excelent men, but Liffi Co^
Brainard who Comands the Regiment to which we are Attached
has hither to neglected to give me any Order.
My Company is not quite full, but if your Excellency should
think it expedient to send me an order for that purpose I Could
fill it immediately.
Any information from your Excellency will be thankfully re-
ceived by
153
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Your Obedient &: Humble Servant
William Bull Cap*'
of Compy Artillery 7 Reg*'
Connecticut Militia
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq Capt.
General of the State of Connecticut Sharon Killingworth
Jan^ 18**^
[Endorsed] Capt. W™ Bull — 18. Jan^ 1816 rec*^ 23*^ — answ^
24**^ wrote Ad. Gen* 27*'*^
APPLICANTS FOR THE FORMATION OF
A RIFLE CORPS
[9:7]
T 0 His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq'" Captain General
& Commander in Chief of the Militia of Connecticut
May it please your Excellency
We the Undersigned, Officers Non-
commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the fourth company, in
the twenty eighth Regiment of Infantry, residents in the parish
of Ripton, Town of Huntington, beg leave respectfully to offer
to your Excellency this our application, for authority to form
ourselves into a Corps of Riflemen, agreeably to the provisions
of the Act lately passed by the Legislature of this State for the
new-modelling the Militia thereof
With the highest respect, we have the honour to be Sir Your
Excellency’s
Huntington 16 Jan^ 1816
Most obedient &
Very Humble Servants
David Hawley J^ Cap. Joel Wooster Do
William R Edwards Ensign Lockwood Sheldon Do
Sam* Thompson 1 Serg
Roswell Hyde 2°** Serg
Sam* Bradley Jr Do
Ebeneser Merritt Jr Do
Charles Beardslee Corp
Nichols Wheeler Corp
Isaac B Blackman private
John B Pooll
Abram M Wheeler
Warner Hubbell
Morris Hull
Wakeman Burritt
154
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Georg Atwell
Curtiss Hubbell
Laurins Hyde
Christopher N Shelton
Prosper Lewis
Joseph L Wooster
Jeremiah Hubbell
Marvin Munson
Presto B Warner
Horris Shelton
Isaac Allis
W*" J French
Elijah Hubbell Jr
Lucius Downs
Joseph S Reymond
Daniel Blackman
Charles Wheeler
Edward B Summers
Ezra Mills
Joseph A Joice
Gideon Thompson
Lewis Hubbell
W™ Atwell
Curtiss L Blackman
Lem^^ Beardslee
John Knap
Garvy Verry
Stephen Burritt
Othe Clarke
Harry Mallory
Huntington 67
do 49
29 Cavalry j
11 State troops 1
4 artillery j 44
160
Redding Trumbull
Huntington & Weston
81 militia
23 inlisted
[Endorsed] Application of militia Company Ripton to be made
Riflemen — Rec^ 24^^ Jan^ 1816 answer intra —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO WILLIAM BULL
[9:8]
Sharon 24. Jan^ 1816
Sir —
I have received your letter, and cannot but express my regret
at the mistake into which the Adjutant General has fallen — The
order for the formation of the company under your command
155
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
did not pass through his hands, and it is probable he has never
been apprized of the fact from any other source —
Nothing could be farther from my desire or intention than
to change the character or destination of your company — on the
contrary I consider it a most valuable addition to the corps of
Light Artillery —
As it is highly desirable to fill the ranks of the select corps,
if possible, before the reorganization of the Infantry takes place,
I allow them to recruit from the militia generally, enlisted
companies of every description always excepted. This indul-
gence is to cease when the new arrangement is effective; after
which such instructions will doubtless be issued relative to en-
listments into any of the select corps, as the general interests
of the militia may be found then to require —
I am Sir with sincere regard your very
ob^ ser‘ J. C. S
Capt. W. Bull —
NATHAN STARR JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:9]
Middletown Jan^ 25^^ 1816
Sir
At the request of the petitioners I forward you the
enclos’d petition, the commander of the company of militia
Cap^ Josiah Wetmore informs me that their statement as to
the number of men is correct, as will be found by a return
which he is about making out and that he has long since advised
them to petition your excellency on the subject
I am Sir with great respect
Your ON Hum. S'
Nathan Starr, Jr
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Association for Riflemen in Staddle-hill district
Middletown Re*^ 29*^ Jan^ 1816 answ. 30*^ not ac-
cepted —
156
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID HAWLEY, JR.
[9:10]
Sir —
Sharon 27. Jan^ 1816 —
I have received the application of yourself & associates to be
formed into a company of Riflemen. It will aflford me sincere
pleasure to comply with your wishes provided the general in-
terest of the militia will justify the measure — After the returns
required by the General order of the 26*^^ December last shall
have been received, I shall be better able to decide this question.
If it is found consistent to establish a Rifle company in your
parish I will make no delay in issuing instructions to that effect
— In the mean time as your present number does not constitute
a full company, you will be pleased to inform me whether there
is a rational prospect of filling the ranks in your vicinity
I am Sir your ob^ & hum Ser^
J. C. S
Capt. David Hawley Jun** —
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:11]
State of Connecticut
General Orders
January 2. 1816
Pursuant to the “Act for forming and conducting the military
force of this state” passed at the last session of the Legislature,
the Commander in Chief has been pleased to appoint the follow-
ing gentlemen Judge- Advocates within and for their respective
counties, towit,
Walter Mitchell Esquire for the county of Hartford —
Leonard E. Wales Esq. for the county of New Haven,
Henry Strong Esq^ for the county of New London,
Clark Bissel Esq"' for the county of Fairfield,
Joseph Eaton Esqr — for the county of Windham,
Jabez W. Huntington Esq'' for the county of Litchfield,
157
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Jonathan Barns Jun"" Esq"" for the county of Middlesex,
Elisha Stearns Esq"* for the county of Tolland ; and they are to
be respected accordingly — —
By order of the Commander in Chief,
[Endorsed] General Orders — 2. Jan^ 1816 — Announcing the
appointment of Judge Advocates — Sent to the Ad. Gen' 27.
Jan^ 1816 — Commission signed 2. Jan^ 1816 & sent to the
secretary several days thereafter, no conveyance offering
sooner
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO NATHAN STARR, JR.
[9:12]
Sir —
Sharon 30. Jan^ 1816
The request of yourself and Associates to be formed into a
company of Riflemen has been duly received — I am much
pleased with the proposal and shall readily accede it, provided the
general interests of the militia shall be found to warrant the
measure — The Adjutant General is directed to meet me on the
of next month with the returns required by the General order
of the 26'^'" December last — I hope it will then be in my power to
decide satisfactorily upon your application ; and if so, the neces-
sary orders for your organization will be immediately issued —
I am respectfully Sir your
obedient servant
M'’ Nathan Starr Junior —
J. C. S —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ELISHA COLT
[9:13]
Sharon 31. Jan^ 1816 —
Sir
Are our accounts with the United States closed ? — and have
they been transmitted to the proper department at Washington?
158
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
— These questions are asked in a letter I have just received from
one of our Senators in Congress & I will thank you to put it
in my power to answer them
A very considerable part of our demand is subject to no
dispute — All the advances made in the campaign of 1813 are
of this description as they were in entire conformity with the
express authorization of the Gen^ Government — The same may
be said of the expenditures of 1814 until about the 10^*^ Septem-
ber at which time troops were brought into the field on the
authority of the state government and the command of those at
N. London (called out however on the requisition of Gen^
Cushing) was confined to a Major General of militia —
I perceive the Pay Master General of the U. S. has sent in-
structions to the district paymasters to resume the payment of
the militia whose services have been authorized — All our un-
satisfied pay-rolls up to the time I have mentioned (and indeed
of all the guards on the coast placed there under an arrange-
ment with Col. Kingsbury to the end of that year) will be com-
prehended within these instructions — They will especially in-
clude the pay of the whole of Gen^ Isham’s brigade (amounting
to 15 or 16000 doll.) who were in service during the affair at
Stonington — they having been called there at the request of
Geff Cushing & were subsisted mustered & discharged by him
If M"" G. L. Perkins the district paymaster is in funds I have
no doubt these sums will be immediately repaid us — And the
object is surely of no small moment to the State — My desire
is Sir that you will address a letter to M'' Perkins upon this
subject — If that officer consents to the payment we shall gain at
least the interest which would accrue upon these sums & which
the U. S. never pay during the long period which generally
elapses before their accounts are adjusted — If the pay rolls
have been transmitted to Washington they may be easily recalled
provided they can be satisfied here —
Be pleased to favour me with a reply & believe
me respectfully Sir your o'’ se' —
E. Colt Esq’’
[Endorsed] To E. Colt Esq. Comptroller 31. Jan^ 1816 —
159
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FRANCIS A. PERKINS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:14]
(Sharon)
To
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^
Sir,
By request of my Brother Major Geo L Perkins,
District pay Master, who is confined by indisposition; I take
the liberty of addressing your Excellency on the subject of the
militia, which have been in the service of the United States,
during the late War, & which remain unpaid. —
Having received directions from the Pay master General un-
der date of the 6 Jan^ 1816, to adjust all outstanding claims
for services rendered prior to the 1 Jan^ 1816, in the States of
Rhode Island & Connecticut: He wants a statement of the
amount of the claim which the State of Connecticut has against
the United States for “services rendered in virtue of, or under
the immediate orders of, the Government of the United States ;
or, 2^ That, being called into actual service by” your excellency
“the service shall have been duly recognised on the part of the
United States and payment for them sanctioned accordingly” :
And, the Pay master general requiring estimates of the amount
of all claims, preparatory to forwarding funds for their liqui-
dation; my Brother requests your Excellency will be pleased
to direct the proper estimates to be forwarded to him as soon
as practicable. His long indisposition has prevented our earlier
application to you on this subject: but, he expects to be suf-
ficiently recovered to attend to it himself in a short time.
He requests me to assure your Excellency of his distin-
guished respect,
I am, with great Respect
Your Excellencys
M'^ Ob' & M-^ HU® Ser'
Fra® a Perkins
Norwich
1 Feby 1816
160
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Endorsed] Major G. L. Perkins — Dis. P. Master U. S. 1.
Feb^ 1816 — answ. 8^^ de pay of militia —
ORCHARD GOULD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:15]
Branford Feb 13 1816
Dear Sir.
Rebekah Noah and Hannah H. Frisbie named in the inclosed
certificate, the heirs of their brother William Frisbie late of
Edenton (N. C) deceased wishing to receive the estate which
the deceased has left there, have by the advice of their attorney
there requested of me the inclosed certificate to enable them to
do it — the attorney also wishes “to have annexed to these
certificates one from the governor under his Executive seal
declaring that the clerk who signs the certificate of births is
a duly authorised officer for that purpose and that full faith
and credit ought to be given to his attestations as such”
At the request of these heirs and in their behalf I desire
you to annex the desired certificate and have the same trans-
mitted by mail to Noah Frisbie at Branford with the amount
of fees & it will be remitted. I do not know what proof
is customary and necessary for you to secure in transactions,
of this kind — I think Green’s register makes me clerk of
Branford — if more proof is requisite these applicants will
esteem it very kind in you [to] notify them by mail as above.
With sincere respect I am Sir
Your Excellency’s obed* Serv^
Orchard Gould
His Excellency Gov'’ Smith ■ —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esq'’ Sharon
Branford Feb 16
[Endorsed] Orchard Gould Esq'’ rec^ 21. Feb^ 1816 forward the
certificates 22"*^ —
[on inside page]
State of Connecticut
I John Cotton Smith Governour of the State of Connecticut
161
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
do hereby make known that by a law of said state it is made the
duty of Town clerks to record all marriages births and deaths
within their respective towns — I also certify that Orchard
Gould Esquire whose signature is subjoined to the foregoing
documents is the town clerk of the town of Branford (in the
county of New Haven & State aforesaid and that full faith and
credit are & ought to be had & given to his certificate & attention
as such —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & af-
fixed my Seal the twenty
RICHARD HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:16]
Sir I Consider it as my Deuty at this time when the Militia is
about to Receve a new augunization to State to you that in
Conciquance of an unavoidable misfortune I am Verry much
reduced and imbarrased in my pecuniary circumstances in So
Much that ware I to Remain in the State it would Be utter-
ly impossible for me to Support my Commission with enny
Degree of Respectability But as I am Determined to leave the
State it Becomes as I Conceive my Deuty to State to you this
Determination and at the Same time Respectfully Request that
my present unplesant Sittuation May Be Considered Sufficient
to Exonerate me from Being attached to Enny Militia Company
under the new Orgunization and if your Excellency Should think
propper to give me a final Discharge it will Be thankfully Re-
ceived
I am Sir your Excellenceys Veary Obledged
Humble Servant
Rich^ Hubbard Insign of the 2^ Company
10*^^ Regiment Connecticut Millitia
Durham February 16^^ 1816
This may Certify that we the Subscribers are personally ac-
quainted with Richard Hubbard and know Him to Be much
embaresed in his pecunary
162
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Circumstances Charles Robinson
Seth Seward
James Robinson P M
Sam^ Robinson
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esqr Sharon
Connecticut
[Endorsed] Ensign Rich. Hubbard requesting a discharge rec^
23. Feb^ 1816 answ*^ in a letter to Capt. C. Robinson 24^^ See
CHARLES ROBINSON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:17]
Durham Feb^ 16‘^ 1816
Sir
As the Militia of this state is about to receive a new organi-
zeation under Act of Assembly of May last I take the liberty
to Adress you a few lines showing my claims to a discharge
from my further Military service takeing it for
granted that the two present Companies in this town will be
consolidated so as to form but one under the new organizeation
I shall state to your Excellency as my first claim to a Discharge
that I am the oldest Captain within the limits of the two present
Companies And 2°^ I claim a Discharge on account
of ill health (this I consider as my principle claim) my health
being so much Impaired that I believe I am not a subject of
Military duty agreeably to the Laws of the State — my prin-
ciple complaint arrises from a Rupter which is frequently Verry
troubelsome in so much that were I to be ordered out on a touer
of Duty I should not be able to indergo the hardships incident to
a person in actual service
Should any further evidence of my ill health be required I am
at any time ready to produce good and sufficient evidence of the
fact It is with much confidence that I make this simple
statement of facts to your Excellency fully believing that you
feel Disposed to do Equal justice in exempting such as have
the most consistant reasons from any further service in the
Militia If however you should determine my claims
163
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
insufficient to entitle me to an immediate Discharge I presume
they will at least be considered amply sufficient to exonerate me
from being attached to any Military Company under the new
organizeation — with Due Defference I submit the foregoing to
the undoubted impartial decission of your excellency
With much respect I am
Your Excellencys verry
Ob‘ Humble Serv‘
Charles Robinson
Cap^ 2“^ Compy
His Excellency John C Smith
Govenor of the State of Connecticut
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Sharon Con-
necticut
[Endorsed] Capt. C. Robinson requesting a discharge 16. Feb^
1816 rec*^ 23*^ ands"^ 24. intra —
[in same letter]
Sharon 24. Feb^ 1816
Sir
Your letter of the 16*^ instant is received —
Altho’ we are proceeding with the arrangements under the new
militia act as fast as the nature of the case will admit, yet it is
possible we may not be able to complete them entirely before the
trainings in May next — I have accordingly considered it in-
expedient to grant any discharges at present — The principal
reason you assign for relinquishing your command is quite
satisfactory and I feel little hesitation in saying you will be
entitled to a discharge as soon as the reorganization can be
effected —
I will thank you to communicate the substance of this letter as
a reply to M'' Richard Hubbard the Ensign of your company,
from whom I have received a similar application —
I am Sir respectfully
your ob^ & h“ Ser^
Capt. CH. Robinson —
164
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
DAVID HAWLEY JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:18]
Sir
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Ex-
cellency’s favour of the 27^^ of January. Agreably to the re-
quest therein contained I have to observe that since forwarding
the petition for a new organization of the Militia Company under
my command fifteen more of the members who were absent
when the names to the petition were collected have expressed
their desire to unite in it. These, together with seven or eight
soldiers of the late State Corps who have requested permission
to join the Rifle company should it be established, will make,
in conjunction with the names already forwarded, the number
of sixty eight (officers included) living within my present beat.
And leaving within the same limits but about a dozen subjects
of military duty who have not expressed their sentiments on the
subject.
Under these circumstances I have no hesitation in believing
that the Company might be filled almost immediately upon
opening the enlistment.
It may not, perhaps, be superfluous to observe that this so gen-
eral wish for the establishment of a Rifle Corps in this place
arises from a firm conviction that under such an organization
the force here will be rendered much more efficient for all the
purposes of local defence. For in that species of predatory
warfare, with which the extensive borders of the sound are
most liable to be harrassed during a protracted contest wich
a foreign enemy, the bayonet can rarely if at all be brought into
action; while the efficiency of companies of Sharp Shooters
is too great and too obvious in such circumstances to need a
remark —
Accept Sir the renewed assurance of the high respect and
esteem with which I have the honour to be.
Your Excellency’s
Most Obedient & humble
Servant.
David Hawley Jun^
165
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Huntington 17 Feb^ 1816.
[Superscribed] His Excellency the Governour of Connecticut
[Endorsed] Capt. Hawley — 17. Feb^ 1816 — rec^ 22"*^
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:19]
Middletown Feb^ 17 — 1816
Sir
The new organization of the Militia & establishment of inde-
pendent Companies, being a subject of considerable interest
here I am again requested to write to your Excellency thereon.
I am informed that there is an application for a Second Rifle C°
in this Town — & that the Cavalry Company is also to be re-
tained. I presume your Excellency will not deem it expedient to
grant another Company of Riflemen, untill the one now exist-
ing is filled up, which cannot be done at present, partly because
another Company is by some expected & partly because several
of those who signed the application for the first Company, can-
not be admitted under the present Laws. I think also that the
location of the contemplated Rifle C°, is not such as it should
be, provided a second should be granted & I am sure your
Excellency will agree with me that one good Company is to be
preferred to Two Poor ones. I am persuaded also that the
Horse artillery will also receive as much of Excellencys
Patronage as is consistent with Propriety. There is in this town,
Nine Comp® of Militia — To Wit — 1 L* Infantry — 5 Bat“
Infantry — 1 Cavalry — 1 Horse Artillery — & One Rifle —
Six & perhaps seven respectable Comp® may be raised here —
It is presumed, that at least one BaF Inf^ C° will be reduced
— & I suggest to y^ Excellency the propriety of reducing the
Compy of Cavalry — my reasons for this suggestion are —
1 The difficulty of filling a Company of Horse Artillery except
from reduced Cavalry — 2 a considerable portion of the Comp^
would immediately join the Horse Artillery — 3 If it is not
reduced, it will prevent the Horse Artillery from being filled
up, as those who choose to do duty on Horseback, would prefer
166
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the Cavalry as being less laboruious & also requiring less disci-
pline & attention — 4 It will be expensive going from the In-
fantry to the Horse artillery, but no expence in going from the
Cavalry. The sooner the Cavalry are reduced to its lowest num-
ber of Regts, the sooner will the other Corps be filled & organ-
ized. These are some of the considation which appear to me
worthy the attention of y^ Excellency — & as union I ought
perhaps further to state the probability of the Two Companies
uniting, if it is understood that the Cavalry will other- wise be
reduced to the Infantry.
I Barnes J"" Esqr has since he was appointed Judge Advocate,
been chosen Lieutenant of the Rifle Company — He wishes to
know whether he can hold both oflices —
I am with great respect
yr Excell^® Obed*^ Ser*^
Ch'^ Whittelsey
yr Exc^ I hope will excuse my hand writing as I have at
present no use of my thumb
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Hartford
[Endorsed] Col. Ch’' Whittelsey 17. Feb^ 1816 — answ^ 27^^
(intra-)
DOCUMENTS
[9 :20-9:30]
Pay Abstracts. Omitted in this publication.
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE L. PERKINS
[9:31]
Sir —
Hartford 20. Feb^ 1816
From an estimate prepared by the Comptroller it appears,
that the arrears of pay due the Militia of this State in service
during the late war, amount to the Sum of $75,615.72 exclusive
of the extra Allowance made by the Legislature to the non
167
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
commissioned officers & privates. Of this Amount the Sum
of $37751.44 may require the further examination of the Na-
tional Executive, altho’ I trust the Secretary of war from a
candid review of facts will be satisfied that the expenditure
was strictly conformable to the instructions of the President.
The residue amounting to $37864.28, it is believed, can be liable
to no objection whatever on the part of the General government.
When you are prepared to adjust the demand, you will be
so good. Sir, as to communicate to the Comptroller or to myself
the evidence required to establish it —
I am respectfully Sir
your ob*^ & very hum. servant
J. C. Smith
Major G. L. Perkins — Paymaster U. S.
[Endorsed] To Major Perkins — U. S. Paymaster 20. Feb^
1816 — Copy —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BUTLER
[9:32]
Hartford 20. Feb^ 1816 —
Sir —
The application subscribed by yourself and others to be
formed into a company of Riflemen agreeably to the Statute,
is received and approved, reserving however the right of de-
ciding hereafter whether the list contains any Subscribers who
could not legally become members of the association — Should
a question arise on that subject —
I could wish to be informed whether the officers of the late
Sixth comp. 2 reg^ of State troops who have Signed the applica-
tion claim the right of retaining their command of the present
company — or whether it is their desire that the associates
should be led to a new choice. As soon as I learn their views
I shall be prepared to issue such instructions as the circum-
stances of the case may require — They will be disposed I make
no doubt to pursue such a course as will be productive of perfect
harmony in the company.
168
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I propose returning to Sharon this day — of course you will
direct to me at that place —
I am Sir your ob^ & hm. ser*^
J. C. Smith
Capt. Butler
[Endorsed] To Capt. J. Butler 20. Feo^ 1816
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:33]
Hartford 20. Feb^ 1816
The Board of General officers convened by a General order
at Farmington in December last reported to the Commander
in chief as their opinion that the following towns (with the
exception of the town of Enfield) should comprize one Brigade
of Infantry pursuant to the “Act for forming and conducting
the military force of this state towit — Windham, Ashford,
Brooklyn, Canterbury, Columbia, Hampton, Killingly, Mans-
field, Plainfield, Pomfret, Sterling, Thompson, Woodstock,
Tolland Bolton, Coventry, Ellington, Somers, Stafford, Vernon,
Union, and Willington — which report is under consideration.
In the meantime the Commander in Chief is desirous of ob-
taining the advice and opinion of the Brigadier General and the
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Commandants of Infantry within
those limits, relative to the most expedient method of forming
the Infantry therein into four regiments, the number required
by the Act. The officers just mentioned will accordingly meet
at Clark’s inn in Ashford on the 6^^ day of March next at
1 ’o’clock in the afternoon; and when thus assembled will con-
stitute a board, at which Brigadier General Salter will pre-
side. They will confer together upon the Subject above referred
to them, and report their opinion thereon at as early a day
thereafter as may be convenient.
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present, and to
furnish the board with such documents in his hands as may
assist them in forming their result —
By Order of the Com^ in chief
[Endorsed] General orders for 5. Brigade — 20. Feb^ 1816 —
169
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OLIVER BURR TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:34]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire
As by a late Act of the General assembly the Captain Gen-
eral is authorized to grant discharges to commissioned Officers,
I am induced by considerations which I hope your Excellency
will deem sufficient, earnestly to solicit your Excellency to
accept of the return of my commission & to grant me a discharge
from military duty.
These considerations are That I have holden a Commission
for five Years the 9^^ day of may next, the two first years as an
Ensign, & the three last as Lieutenant,
2^^ That I have a young & growing family, am destitute of
property, & have no other means of supporting them than the
profits of a business which is small, and which has not hitherto
been sufficient for that purpose: I have in consequence been
obliged to incur debts for the payment of which I have nothing
to look to but my future earings : that under these circumstances
the annual expences, which a miliatary officer cannot avoid
either with honor or justice, are heavier than I can Sustain either
with a proper regard to the comfort of my family or to the
claims of my creditors.
3*^ But there is an additional reason which I am pursuaded
Your Excellency will properly appreciate, as its weight presses
directly & powerfully on those feelings without which a military
officer would be unfit for his station. I have been given to under-
stand by persons entitled to credit, who were present at the
meeting, that the company over which I am placed, have by
a considerable majority voted to supersede me at the next
election of officers by choosing one of my Subalterns to com-
mand the company. With the causes of their dissatisfaction,
it is unnecessary to trouble Your Excellency, I will barely
remark that they are not as 1 think, such as to reflect disgrace
on me, I cannot doubt the fact of such vote having been taken ;
nor can I avoid feeling a strong solicitude to escape the mortifi-
cation, I cannot hesitate to beleive that your Exelency will give
to these reasons, all the attention to which they are entitled.
170
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
and if in the opinion of Your Excellency, they should be suffi-
cient to justify the exercise of the power vested in the the
Captain General by the late Law, I pray your Excellency to
grant me a discharge from further military duty —
With every respectful sentiment
I am.
Your Excellency most Obed^
and humble Serv‘d
Oliver Burr
Danbury Feb^ 23^ 1816
We, whose names are hereto subscribed, are acquainted with
Oliver Burr, the person above named ; he is a respectable young
man, a mechanic, industrious, but destitute of property ; he has
a young, tho’ not a large family: of the other facts stated in
the foregoing Memorial, we have no knowledge, but believe any
statement which Burr may make may be confided in, so far
as his veracity is concerned
Danbury Feb^ 24^^ 1816
Mathew B Whittlesey
Alanson Hamlin
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*“
Sharon Conffi Danbury C‘ Feby. 26
[Endorsed] Oliver Burr — 23. Feb^ 1816 answ^ 1. March —
JOHN BUTLER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:35]
Durham Feb*^ 24*^*" 1816
Sir/
Your Letter of the 24*^^ Insb is Received in which I am
very happy to learn that your Excellency has approved of our
request of being formed into a Rifle Company; Amongst the
Associates that Petitioned your Excellency there were a num-
ber that formerly belonged to the Militia and are now very
Anxious to become members of the Rifle Company : however I
do not wish to Associate with us any person that could not
Legally be enroP when the Associates become Organized in a
Rifle Company-any Information on that subject would be grate-
171
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
fully Received and punctually adhered to It was the
understanding & wishes of the Associates that the Officers of
the late 6*^ Company 2^ Reg*^ of State Troops Should retain
their respective Offices in the contemplated Rifle Company with
the exception of the first Lieu* who is remov*^ to the West Indies,
I would at this time renew my request to be bleased [released?]
from Military Duty submiting of it to your Excellency whither
Previous or after the formation of the Rifle Company
John Butler
Cap* of 6 Company
of State Troops
N. B I Dont see aney way that we are to get the Company full
if we cant Enlist from the Militia I Expect the Officers of the
Militia have not returned of Maney men they might as I have
been Informed they have not returned but About 30 men in
both Companyes if that is the Case they have not returned all
they Might
[Superscribed] his Excellency John C Smith Esq*’ Sharon
Con* Durham Feb^ 27**^
[Endorsed] Capt. J. Butler — 24. Feb^ 1816 — answ** 26. March
see
JESSE C. HULL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:36]
Durham Feb^ 27**" 1816
sir
I have heretofore deemed it unnecessary to address your
Excellency on the subject of my situation in the Militia presum-
ing that you were acquainted with the ungenerous treatment
I have received from a majority of the Officers and Men com-
poseing the Company to which I now belong I have
been silent because I felt no doubt but I should be left out under
the new organizeation and finally discharged from any further
service I Should have continued my silence were it not
that under the presumption that the two present Companies in
Durham will be consolidated so as to form but one under the
new organizeation other officers belonging to each of the said
172
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Companies have as I understand presented to your Excellency
their claims to a Discharge — These Sir are the reasons which
have induced me to trouble you with this communication I shall
therefore briefly state my claims to a discharge which in my
opinion are far better than those of any other officer in either
of the two Companies
In the first place I have been twice superceded and that too
without any cause except it be of a Political nature, the first
time M'' Stephens who was chosen a Lieu^ over my head got no
Commission he was again chosen and Commissioned
In the second place I am some what disabled in conciquence
of a cut across my knee with a drawing knife my knee is quite
week and I falter considerable in my gate and am frequently
so much troubled with it that I believe it would be considered
sufficient to clear me from Military duty agreeably to the Laws
of the State
I feel no disposition to multiply words on this subject for I am
fully pursuaded that the simple fact of my haveing been twice
superceded would have been amply sufficient to have called
your Excellencys attention to my verry unpleasant situation.
I shall therefore submit these simple statements to the impartial
consideration and final decision of your Excellency with this
further remark only, that if any further evidence of the facts
stated should be required I can at any time produce a sufficiency
I am Sir with much respect
your Excellencys verry ob^ and
Humble Serv^
Jesse C Hull
Ensign 4^^ Comp^ 10^^ Reg‘
O Militia
His Excellency John C Smith
Govenor of the State of Connecticut
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Sharon Con-
necticut Durham Febu^ 28^^
[Endorsed] Jesse C. Hull Ensign 4. Co. 10 Reg*^ requesting a
discharge — rec^ 6. March 1816 answ*^ intra —
173
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JESSE C. HULL
[with 9:36]
Sharon 9. March 1816
Sir
Your claim to a discharge appears to be well founded; but I
should advise you to remain until the new arrangement takes
place. If you retire from office in consequence of the reorganiza-
tion of the militia your release will be final — But if you are now
discharged unless you have held your present commission five
years, or Commissions & warrants as a staff officer ten years
you may be liable to do duty as a private altho’ discharged as an
officer
I doubt not your request will be attended to at the proper
time — No applications of the nature you mention have been re-
ceived from Durham —
I am Sir your ob^ Ser^
J. C. S —
M--J. C. Hull —
WILLIAM COTTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:37]
Middletown Feb^ 27^^ 1816
T 0 His Excellency
Jn° Cotton Smith Esq"^
Sir
Necessity compels me, at the present time to
address you upon a Subject relative to my discharge as a Corn-
mis'* officer in the Late 3^ Company of State Troops acting as
2^* Lieu'
Sir
I am La-
bouring under a very serious complaint of the Lungs which
has deprived me from doing my duty as an officer for 12 months
past — and I have my fears in regard to present State of my
Health, which induces me to address you upon the Subject of
a discharge,
174
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
In Consequence of my ill health, as Cap^ Trowbrige tells me,
the whole task devolves upon him; which is very arduous, as
he now is the only Commiss’^ officer excepting myself in the
Compy I think therefore if I could obtain a Discharge and
another officer Succeede me it would be more to the advantage
of the Comp’' and relieve Cap^ Trowbrige of great deal of his
Task
Hoping your Excellencey will take the subject into your Wise
Consideration
I am Sir with Respect
your Ob‘ Humb Sev^
&c
WM Cotton
[Superscribed] His Excellency, John Cotton Smith Esqr
Sharon O
[Endorsed] Lieut. W“ Cotton’s Resignation — as an officer of
Horse artillery — Rec*^ 5. March 1816 Accepted — Order
issued to Capt. Trowbridge 9. March 1816 —
WILLIAM TROWBRIDGE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:38]
Middletown Febry 29 1816
Sir since I have had the pleasure of an interview with your
Excellency at Hartford I have consulted M^ Cotton in regard
to his holding his office in the Company of Horse Artillery
he informs me that it is his wish to remain untill May, & then,
provided his Health should be no better, he intends to make
application for a discharge, I would observe that to human
probability M^ Cotton can survive but a few months at longest,
I would say in regard to M^ Cotton that the Company entertain
the highest opinion of him as an officer & as a Gentleman —
Thus situated Sir as I am, without deriving any assistance from
M^ Cotton in consequence of his ill state of Health, I again
request your Excellency to permit the Company of Horse Ar-
tillery to be led to the choice of Two Lieutenants provided your
Excellency does not comply with the request of Nathan Starr
Jun others to establish them as a company of Rifleman —
175
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
believing another company will not be established in Middletown,
I trust that your Exellency will do me Justice to believe that I
am actuated from the purest principles of interest & honor to
the Company of Artillery when I state to your Excellency the
Grounds upon which my request is predicated & 1 we have now
Three indepentant Companies (exclusive of the Horse Artil-
lery) in this place & they are all officered & they being desirous
that their companies should not fall in the rear are exerting
themselves to the utmost to fill ther ranks, & 2^ It is impossible
for me to do all that ought to be done in our infant State to
establish the company of Horse artillery on such a footing as
could be wished, it is necessary that personal exertions should
be made abroad as many can be prevailed upon to enlist that
otherwise would not, & 3^^ It is expected & beleved that we can
add to the Company not less than Twenty five to Thirty Men
when it is known that your Excellency has determined to grant
no more Companies in Middletown, making our number to ex-
eed fifty — & further as I am expecing[sic] to leave the State
within a short time for a number of weeks it is more desireable
that we should have one or more active officers, Respectfully
your Excellency
verry Obedient & very humble Serv‘d
Trowbridge
His Exellency
John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
Connecticut
[Endorsed] Capt. W“ Trowbridge 29. Feb^ 1816 — rec^ 5.
March — Answ^ 9^^ & forwarded an order for the choice of
two Lieut®
GEORGE L. PERKINS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:39]
District Pay Office
Norwich 29*"^ Feb^ 1816
Sir,
some time since I was honored by the receipt of your Ex-
176
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
cellencys Letter of the 8 Ins*^ in reply to that dictated on the 1®*^
Ins^
Having conversed with Gen^ Huntington before he left home
for Htfd: expecting soon to go to Providence, and New Port,
and flattering myself that I should return thr° Hartford, I de-
ferred a reply
indispensable business required my return to this place ; where
on my arrival yesterday, I received your Excellencys Letter un-
der date of the 20*^^ Ins*^ with a statement of the am° due from
the U. States, for services of the Militia, which I have advised
the Pay M. Gen^ and hope soon to receive a remittance
It is necessary that I go to New London immediately for
the purpose of paying a company about to leave the District,
where I shall probably be detained a number of days.
I trust it will be in my power to adjust the claims of this
State before the receipt of funds, and hope your Excellency will
believe that no unnecessary delay shall take place on my part
With assurance of distinguished respect, I have the honor to
remain
Your Excellency® Most
Ob' & Most Hbl Serv'
G, L, Perkins D, P, M.
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esq''
Sharon
[Endorsed] Pay Master G. L. Perkins 29. Feb^ 1816 Rec*^ 6.
March
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO OLIVER BURR
[9 :40]
Sharon 1. March 1816
Sir
Your application for a discharge is not accompanied by a
recommendation from the Lieutenant colonel commandant of
the regiment, which is always expected in such cases —
177
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
But although your claim merits consideration I should advise
you not to receive a discharge until the reorganization of the
Infantry shall be completed. If you retire from office in conse-
quence of the reorganization you will be excused from further
duty — otherwise as you have not held your present commission
five years nor any others for the period of ten years, you may be
liable to perform military service as a private notwithstanding
your discharge as an officer — There will probably be super-
numerary officers in your town when the new arrangement takes
place — & your claim to be released will undoubtedly receive due
attention at that time —
Lieut. O. Burr —
I am Sir your ob^ Ser^
J. C. S —
ELISHA COLT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:41]
Controllers Office March 1816
His Excellency Gov"^ Smith
Sir
According to your Excellencys direction I have written to
Maj*" Goddard to forward to this Office the extra setts of Recipt
Rolls made up for the U States authorized pay of the Troops
called out for defence of the State in 1814 — and on the 28^^ Feb^
recieved his answer together with a trunk of Papers, and yes-
terday I received another letter from him — I beg leave to
inclose copies of both his Letters for your information
I have not had time to examine the vouchers sent me critically
— but upon looking at a few of the Receipt Rolls find them in
an unprepared state for exhibiting to the District Pay Master,
not being computed as to the sum due the individuals who per-
formed the service — they however can be compleated here prob-
ably as soon as elsewhere ; and I shall imploy some person to do
it, if I find the business of the Office will not admit of my per-
sonally doing it in season — unless your Excellency should
think proper to give other directions
I have written Maj^ Goddard that his attendance at Hartford
178
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
would not be necessary under a fortnight — the press of business
in the Treasurers Office untill the ins^ in setling with Col-
lectors, will also imploy all our time in drawing on him for
School Money untill that time
I have not been favou’d with any communication from Maj*'
Perkins
I am with great Respect
Your Excellency’s most
Obedient Servant
Elisha Colt
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] The Comptroller 3. March 1816 rec^
HEZEKIAH GODDARD TO ELISHA COLT
[9:42]
[Inclosed with letter 9:41]
New London Feb^ 25*^ 1816
Copy
Elisha Colt Esq
Sir
I recieved yours of Ins* & owing to its being the
last of suing for the County Court of March term I was obliged
to imploy M^ Baxter to seperate the U. S. Receipts &c & have
sent them in a trunk to you with the key so that you can use them
if you wish I wish that I could have setled the business
with Perkins if he ever does pay the money. I think I could
have been of service as the papers have not been taken or made
as they ought to have been. I will come & see you as soon as
possible it is very difficult for me to leave the business of the
Sheriffs department at this time — if nothing of importance
takes place with me I shall be with on Thursday next & shall
wish to return on friday as I shall go in the Stage. I should be
very glad to be excused for two weeks if I could before I come
to Hartford
In haste I am yours with Respect
&c Hez Goddard
179
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[on inner leaf of 9:42]
New London Feb^ 29^^ 1816
Elisha Colt, Esq
Dear Sir
I sent to you by Maj’” Burnham a trunk and the key thereto
with the papers belonging to the U.S. Say [sic] Receipts &
Muster rolls — I last evening saw M*" Perkins who says that
he expected to pay those of the Militia here which come within
his orders, & funds, he says that he has only $16,000 — & has
to pay some of the Troops here with that. I understand that
there is $10,000 at New Haven for him in addition to the $16,000
— I shall be willing to attend to the payment here & think we
could do it here better than at Hartford if you think it meet the
approbation of his Exellency, you may send the Trunk back &
I will deposit what may be paid to me in the banks here subject
to Orders which maybe given by him or your — M*' Perkins is
expected here tomorrow & will stay here some days I shall not
come to Harford untill I hear from you again unless M^ Perkins
should go there before I do have a Letter from you — You will
please write me on receipt of this and oblige you Hum^ Ser*
Hez. Goddard
Copy
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:43]
Middletown March 1816
Sir
The letter with which yr Excellency honored me under the
date of the 27^^ UP was received this morning. I am much sur-
prized & somewhat mortified to hear, that only two Companies
of the State Troops have volunteered as Riflemen I did not ex-
pect that many Companies in the 2^ Reg^ would volunteer at
present, though they will probably make application, as soon as
the Field Officers are appointed. The Cap* of the 6 C° 2 Reg*
informed me several days since that his Company had volun-
teered & sent an application to your ExcelP some time ago, but
180
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
had received no answer. Either their letter or the answer has
probably been mislaid on the road. I am also informed that
the 9^^ / 10^^ Co’ 2^ Reg'^ have voted to become Riflemen &
also a part of the 7^^ & I cannot but hope that the information
may prove correct.
Yr ExelE will see by the following calculation & facts what
my views with respect to this place are & how far they are well
founded.
This town contains say in round number 5400 Inhabitants evry
10^^ person should be enrolled in the Militia
gives 540 , ,
add for transfered persons in factories 60
600 , ,
deduct Sailors — 50
550 —
a further deduction should be made for bonafide exempts, but
for the purpose of calculation I leave the whole number. While
I was adjutant of the 23^ R*^ I took much pains to ascertain the
number of Persons who really ought to have done military duty
in town & to have them enrolled, the Infantry the last year that
I was adjutant I think returned about 410 the Cavalry about
44 leaving according to the preceding calculation for
the fire Companies (Two of them) & the exempts say 100
But accord® to the preceding calculation there are person in this
town subject to Militia duty 550
4 BattaP Comps at 77 rank & file is 308
lUln^ D° 77 77
1 Rifle D° 77 77
1 Horse Artillery 90 90
552
Yr ExR will see by the above calculation that there are barely
enough to fill the Companies which are organized, if you deduct
bonafide exempts & fire men I presume there will not be enough
to fill the Seven Companies as above stated by about 75 Men
181
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
allow for the horse artillery 25 from out of Town, leaves a
deficit of 50 men if the Cavalry Comp^ should be
continued there will be a deficit of 100 to 110 one object
to be gained by the late act is to prevent exempts by reducing
the number of Companies, & also to excite emulation in Militia
officers, by reducing their number, & giving officers who have
command full & large Companies. I was induced therefore to
think that, the organization of another Rifle C° in this town
would rather be injurious than beneficial tO’ the Service. If the
above calculation had been seen by the Officers of Cavalry, I am
persuaded they would have advised the Comp^ of Cavalry here,
to unite with y^ Horse Artillery & if it had not, would have
advised its dissolution. Indeed it appears to me, that there is
no town in the State that can support a Company of Cavalry &
Horse Artillery with the usual Infantry, unless perhaps Hart-
ford or N. Haven — such immediate proximity must be pre-
judicial to both. If the Cavalry here knew that they were to be
reduced most of them would immediately join the Horse Ar-
tillery, but while the Company is legally in existence, they can-
not en[list] from it in to the artillery.
We have four Parishes in this town — to the 1 in the City
— Middlefield — Westfield & Upperhouses the parishes how-
ever are so located that I think it will be difficult to allow a
Company to each parish, though I am not sufficiently informed
to decide with certainty — there is a considerable District known
by the name of South farms, attached to the City Parish, which
has I think much greater claims than Westfield — If only 4
CalP Comp® are retained, I imagine the following location will
be adviced —
1 C° City — 2 Upperhouses & Eastern part of Westfield 3 South
farms & Eastern part of Middlefield 4 Western parts of Middle-
field & Westfield — the Westfield Comp^ is the 9*^ very small
— very irregular & very much divided among themselves —
the other Companies are respectable.
M^ Barnes wishes me to say to your ExcelP that he prefers re-
taining the Office of Judge Advocate, to that of Lieuten^ of Rifle
Men & will decline the nomination made by the Rifle Company
182
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
With great respect
I remain Your Excellencys
very Obed* Hum^’ Servant
Chauncey Whittelsey
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon C^
[Endorsed] Col. Whittelsey 5. March 1816 rec^ 9^^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ELISHA COLT
[9 :44]
Sharon 5. March 1816
Sir
It appears that Congress have called upon the Secretary of
war for a statement of the claims exhibited by the several States
for expenditures during the late war; and by a letter received
from one of our representatives I perceive the delegation are so-
licitous that our account should be presented. I have communi-
cated in reply the Substance of your letter of the 10*^^ ultimo, and
have expressed my concurrence with you in opinion that a naked
account unaccompanied by vouchers could answer no valuable
purpose; and that the latter could not with much propriety be
entrusted to any one but an agent authorized by the legislature
to attend to the final adjustment. I have however intimated to
the gentlemen that if they deem it expedient to forward a bare
statement of the claim, it would be done; and if they also
conceived an immediate exhibition of both the claim and vouchers
indispensable, I would take upon myself the responsibility of
seeing that they were transmitted. I wait their answer. —
Meanwhile it would be well to have every thing in readiness, and
even to send on from your office without delay, an abstract of
the claim enclosed to our Senators, for them to make such use
of it as they shall judge proper. In making out the account I
should advise you to avoid the distinction of “Authorized” and
“unauthorized” expenses as stated in your communication to me.
I consider the whole as virtually “Authorized”. At any rate the
183
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
correspondence between the two governments will show what
part of the demand has been explicitly sanctioned by National
Authority.
I am respectfully Sir
Your obedient and humble
Servant J. C. Smith
E. Colt Esq*" Comptroller
[Endorsed] To the Comptroller 5. March 1816 —
ENOS A. PRESCOTT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:45]
New Haven 8th March 1816
Sir
Your favor of the 27th Ult by LieuP James Peck of the 2^
Company Horse Guards I received
I have as you requested taken his case into consideration and
the excuse he renders me for his Conduct is not by any means
satisfactory and I should have reported him for Gross neglect
of duty the year past if I could have satisfied myself that there
was any Law of the State for trying Officers of the Guards by
Court Martial On this view of the subject I feel as though
it would be a benefit to the Company to have him discharged —
I shall cheerfully comply with any Instructions your Excellency
may please to give on this subject.
I am Sir very respectfully
your most Obedient and
Humble Servant.
Enos A Prescott Capt“ & Major
Commandant 2^ Company Gov”
Horse Guards.
His Excellency
John C Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Sharon Con-
nect^
[Endorsed] Major Prescott of the Horse guards — rec^ 19.
March 1816
184
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:46]
Norwich 8 March 1816
Dear sir
I have barely time since my return from Ashford to write your
Excellency by the mail which leaves this for New Haven this
day I now inclose to your Excellency the report of
the Officers for forming the sixth brigade into four regiments
1 regret very much that misinformation as to the
residence of Col” Kibbee should have been the cause of omitting
to notify him I have determined to write the Brigadiers
for information as to the residence of Colonels that a similar
error may not be repeated
Should your Excellency think proper to direct the formation
of the third brigade into regiments Norwich will be more
central than New London, almost every Commandant will be
better accomodated either place is eq'imlly convenient
to me I am with much esteem & respect
very sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon C
Land® Mch. 11
[Endorsed] Adjutant General 7. March 1816 Rec^ 23'''^ answ*^ D°
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID DEMING
[9:47]
Sharon 9. March 1816 —
Sir
If the arrangements proposed by the Colonels of Cavalry
should be carried into effect it appears that one of the troops
in your regiment must be reduced. Have you formed an opinion
on which the reduction ought to fall? — I am informed the
troop at Middletown if reduced, would readily join the company
of Horse Artillery lately organized in that city and which
185
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
stands in need of that number of privates to make out the legal
complement of men — Be so good as to favour me with your
advise upon this subject —
I am D’’ Sir very sincerely
your ob^ Ser^
J. C. S
Col. Deming —
[Endorsed] To Col. Deming 9. March 1816
GEORGE W. JEWETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:48]
Saybrook March 9^^ A. D. 1816
His Excellency Gov Smith
Sir, I am desired by several respectable Gentlemen of the Militia
to enquire whether under the late Law your Excellency will
authorize the raising a Company of light Infantry, by enlistment,
in this town to be annexed to the Reg‘ within whose limits it
shall be.
I have no doubt but a very excellent Company of that descrip-
tion, may with permission from your excellency, be raised
in this Town. Lieut Dowd a very excellent officer is at the head
of the proposition, and be assisted by Gentlemen of good talents
for Officers
Your Excellencys answer to this inquiry
will be gratefully received by Your Obedient Servant
Geo. W. Jewett
[Superscribed] His Excellency Gov. Smith Sharon Conn
— Saybrook March 11
[Endorsed] Major Jewett — 9. March 1816 rec^ & answ^ 22“^
de L* Infantry comp^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE W. JEWETT
[with 9 :48]
Sharon 23. March 1816
Sir
In reply to your letter which owing to the state of the roads is
186
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
but now rec^ I would observe that I have thought it not ex-
pedient to create any new flank companies until the regiments
are formed to which they must be annexed — The Adjutant
General is now occupied in the organization of regiments East-
ward of Connecticut River and will proceed as fast as the
nature of the business will permit — In due time I trust the
proposition of Lieut. Dowd (whom I know to be a valuable
officer) will receive proper attention —
I am Sir with sincere regard
your ob* & hum ser*^
J. C. S -
Major Jewett —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID DAGGETT
[9:49]
Sharon 9. March 1816
My dear sir —
I wrote M"” Davenport last week in reply to his inquiry re-
specting our account against the U. States for expenses incurred
during the late war — If he has shewn you the letter it will
supercede the necessity of repeating its contents — I have
since requested the Comptroller to forward an abstract of the
amount to our Senators for them to make such use of it as they
shall deem proper — The Legislature had instructed the Comp-
troller to charge the U. S. with evey kind of expense arising out
of the war — He has therefore felt himself bound to debit even
the extra allowance made by the state government to the non-
commissioned officers & privates of the militia — However equi-
table such a claim may be, yet I think we cannot seriously insist
on its admission — Whatever has been hitherto considered dis-
putable in the residue of the account may be adjusted I apprehend
at the war department without the aid of congress — If M'’ Sec-
retary Crawford possesses the integrity & discernment ascribed
to him I am persuaded he will decide (as all experienced officers
with whom I have conversed have decided) that B. Gen^ Cush-
ing erred in his refusal to recognize the Major General of
Militia at N. London — The whole expenditure for that particu-
187
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
lar period, even for the additional force at N. Haven & Bridge-
port will turn on this point — Troops were indeed sent to the
posts last mentioned under State authority — but not without a
previous consultation with this same Gen^ Cushing who explicitly
admitted the force to be necessary but declined making any pro-
vision for the men until the Major General should be removed
from command — The facts will appear from the correspond-
ence which will accompany the documents whenever the latter
shall be forwarded — In the mean time would there be any im-
propriety in attempting to ascertain the opinion of M"' Crawford
upon the abstract question? I cheerfully submit the expediency
of such a course to yourself & to M*" Dana, to whom I will
thank you to present my most cordial regards —
I am My dear Sir very sincerely
your friend & ob*^ Ser^
Hon. M"* Daggett
[Endorsed] To Hon. D. Daggett — 9. March 1816
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE HOADLY
[9:50]
Sharon 9. March 1816
Sir
I have received your two favours of the 1®*^ & 2“^ instant, cov-
ering the applications of the first & third troops 2°^ Reg* of
cavalry, requesting to be formed into companies of Horse-
Artillery. I must desire you to inform the applicants in both
cases that their request is granted. A General order will in due
time be issued embracing the organization of the whole corps of
Artillery — The formation of these two companies will of
course be included in that order. Mean while the Commandants
are permitted to recruit their companies from such portions of
the late State troops as have not already entered any of the Select
corps of Militia — Should a further latitude be required to give
the companies their complement of men I should be glad to
be informed of it —
If the Captain of the 3^^ troop is desirous of being discharged
on account of his ill-health, he will be indulged, on receiving his
188
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
application for that purpose — and an order will thereupon
issue to fill the vacancy — I apprehend it will not be expedient
to give the companies their entire complement of commissioned
officers until they have made some progress in obtaining further
enlistments — The circumstance that additional officers are to be
-chosen will tend greatly to augment the number of recruits;
such at least has been the effect in other instances.
Arrangements to the extent of our means will be made as
early as possible for furnishing the Artillery companies with
ordnance — In case of unavoidable delay in these arrangements
the Horse Artillery will do duty in the interim as cavalry —
You Seem not to have ascertained the view of the 2“*^ & 4^^
troops in your regiment — Nor have I yet heard from Colonels
Williams & Hall (as was expected when we were at Hartford)
xelative to the disposition of their respective regiments to become
Horse Artillery — The plan reported by the board is every
way desirable, and I feel much solicitude to learn how far we
may calculate upon its accomplishment.
I am D*" Sir with sincere regard
your obedient & humble servant
J. C. S -
Col. Geo. Hoadly — 2°*^ Reg‘ Cavalry —
[Endorsed] To Col. Geo. Hoadly 2. Reg^ Cavalry — de Horse
Artillery 9. March 1816
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID GELSTON
[9:51]
This letter appears on page 89.
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:52]
Norwich 11-March 1816
My dear sir
The mail having been delayed by the bad roads from arriving
iiere & departing at the accustomed hour I was enabled
189
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
after my return from Ashford to address a line to your Excel-
lency on the 8*^^ covering the report of the Officers convened
at Ashford on the of this month I have now the honor
to inclose for your Excellency (in a condensed form) the infor-
mation obtained by virtue of your Excellencys General Order
of 26*^ December last I have reason to believe that
in some instances the Captains have returned the names of per-
sons inlist ed into Artillery &C as belonging to their companies,
when they ought to have been deducted by which error the
company appears more numerous than they really are
I have detected two instances of the kind & had them corrected
— I do not apprehend many Some
of the returns came to me without mentioning either town or
paris in applying them to towns I have hazarded an error
an instance I most suspect is applying the 7^^ C° 23^ reg^
in North Street, which I have entered as in Huntington, when
possibly I ought to have entered it to Trumbull or Stratford
1 could not have expected so much inattention and
carelessness in making the returns, after the explicit direction
given by your Excellency accompanied with the form annexed
thereto
I presume your Excellency will observe that in forming the
5th brigade into regiments, that three Colonels will fall into
the regiment which includes Tolland: Somers and Vernon leav-
ing the regiment which includes Bolton &C with only a major
in the whole regiment I wished & endeavored to effect
a different formation should your excellency think it
expedient to add to the last mentioned regiment, the parish of
Andover made up, of Hebron & Coventry, it will include in the
5th brigade & within the last mention^ regiment Col° Shepard of
the 12*^ regiment now of the proposed 3*^ brigade what
inconvenience may result by dividing Hebron your Excellency
can but judge
From conversing with the Colonels of the 5*^^ brigade I can
not apprehend much difficulty in forming this regiment into
companies Should your excellency incline to have
me attempt the formation of companies I hope you will not
190
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
require an exact equalization in number, but permit some in-
equality, where parochial limits can be preserved without too
great disparity in the strength of the companies I appre-
hend more discordant feelings will arise in forming companies
than in forming regiments brigades & divisions
I am with much respect & esteem,
very sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Governour Smith
PS Finding some omission on the part of Col° King
I have written him on the subject & inclosed the other sheet
which contains the proposed 5^^ & 6^^ brigades directly to him
and requested him to deliver the same & explain to you the
cause
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon Mil-
itary returns 11 March 1816 Eben: Huntington, Adj*^ Gen'
C Land® Mch 11
[Endorsed] Adjutant General 11. March 1816 Rec^ 23^*^ Answ*'
DAVID DEMING TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:53]
Colchester March 13^'^ 1816
Dear Sir
I intended when at Hartford, to have confered with your
Excellency upon the subject suggested in your favour of the
9^^^^ ins'^ but was under the necessity of leaving there sooner than
I had anticipated. I have understood that the Troop at Chatham
have offered their services as Horse Artillery, should they be
organized the surplus company in the regiment under my com-
mand would be disposed of. If their application should not be
granted, I am fully of opinion that the reduction ought to fall
upon this Troop — the Troop now consists of fifteen privates,
& within their present limits, they cannot obtain their legal
complement of men. There has been a serious competition be-
tween the two Troops at Middletown, I am fearful it would
excite considerable feeling to reduce the Troop annexed to my
191
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
regiment — should they be disbanded, I am persuaded but very
few of them would join the Horse Artillery, If it can be effected
it would be very desirable to annex the Troop at Qiatham to the
company of Horse Artillery at Middletown, I am induced to
believe that this arrangement would be mutually satisfactory
I have the honour to be your Excellencies Ob*^*^ & HumW Serv‘
David Deming
His Excellency John C Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
Con, Colchester Ct. March 14^^
[Endorsed] Col. Deming — De reduction of the troop at Middle-
town 13. March 1816 — rec*^ 18*^^
APPLICATION OF INDIVIDUALS IN SAYBROOK
[9:54]
To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^
Captain General & Commander in Chief over
the Militia of the State of Connecticut
We whose names are hereunto subscribed do voluntarily asso-
ciate together to be enrolled and organized according to law as
a Company of Rifle men, in the Rifle Corps to be raised and
organized in Conformity to Law. and we do promise and engage
to do duty in said Corps and be subject to such officers as may
be lawfully appointed over us. from time to time and we do
respectfully request your Excellency to issue the necessary or-
ders. for our speedy Organization : Dated at Saybrook this 13^^^
day of March A. D. 1816
Wells Smith
Thomas Brooks
Ansel Southworth
Jedediah W Thomas
Joshua L’Hommedieu
L. Tillotson Clarke
Asa Dibble
Timothy Warner
Abel Whiting
Thomas Adams
W^ W. Southworth
Charles Smith
Jared S Lord
Alvin Clark
Lyman Watrous
Charles Foster
James L Ford
Joshua Smith Jr
192
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
John Smith
Aaron Smith
Zerah Clarke
Samuel Webb Jun
Russel Watrous
Aaron Watrous
Joseph G. Holt
John Arnold.
David Arnold.
Arza Dickinson
Charles Dangelis
Luther Towner
Elisha Bushnell
John P Warner
William Boner
[Endorsed] Application (Rifle-
men) of individuals in Saybrook
— Rec^ 13^^ April 1816 wrote
same day to Major Jewett for
information —
JAMES PECK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:55]
New Haven 14*^ March 1816.
Most respectfully do I Submit the following Statement to your
Excelencys consideration
Your letter I handed to Major Prescott on my arrival at New
Haven, & endeavoured to make him satisfaction, but in vain
he is unwilling to receive my excuses untill I shall give up the
name of the person who told me that Major Prescott said “he
hoped that I never should again appear on Perade” I assure your
excelency as I befour have done to major Prescott that I am
under the most solum engagement to this person that I never will
divulge his name, that I cannot consider it my duty to do it.
even ware I to suffer severely in consiquence of my refusal.
I presume to say that no person ever entered into a military
engagement with more pleasure than I did into the Guards It
was indeed my Idol, the pride & ardure of a Soldier was pre-
dominant in my breast my early promotions ware as speedy as
I could wish & I recived from my Superior officers every mark
of attention & respect, the voice of the company was almost
unanimous in my several promotions, to the rank which I now
hold — indeed I was chosen first Lieutenant but at that time I
could not accept of the office — every thing went on with the
greatest regularity untill this unplasant affair broke out — after
hearing that I could not again appear on perade — to sum it all
up, my feelings ware verry much injured I felt it severely more
193
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
perhaps than I ought but considering what I had done for the
company & my unremited exertions in support of it, you ex-
celency will perhaps look upon it with a more favourable eye
— this is not all, in consiquence of my non attendance on days
of perade a gradual dislike & disaffection have appeared both
with the officers & the company — towards me — I am indeed
in a verry disagreable situation & beg that your excelency will
not at present order a court martial upon me & I sincerely hope
the Capt General will point out some way that I could be re-
moved from the company & most willingly will I seve in any
other — I have with great reluctance troubled your Excilency,
thus far — & could I recive a letter I should be extremely happy
I feel under grat obligations to your excilency for the verry
kinde tratment which I had the Honor of reciving when at
Sharon accept Sir my Sincere thanks for the Same
I am your Excelencys most
Obt & Hum^ Ser^ James Peck
[Superscribed] To his Excelency John C Smith Esqr Sharon
Con“
[Endorsed] Lieut. James Peck of the Horse Guards — rec*^ 19.
March 1816 answ^ 25 —
GEORGE HOADLY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:56]
New Haven March 15. 1816
His Excellency
John C. Smith Esqr
Captain Genl &c
Sir
I have received your favor of the 9*^^ instant and communicated
the contents to the companies which have been accepted as Horse
Artillery in the second Regiment of Cavalry.
I expect daily to receive an application from the 2^ company
in the regiment to be forwarded to your Excellency. It was sup-
posed by the Board of Officers at Hartford that it would be ex-
pedient to annex the company to the Regiment on the other side
of Connecticut river. In that case the company at Middletown
194
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
& the two companies from the second regiment together with
one from the westward would be sufficient to form a Regiment
of Horse Artillery. What will be done by the 4*^^ Troop in the
2^ Regiment of Cavalry I do not yet know. It is quite the poorest
troop in the regiment & if there must be a reduction of compan-
ies this could be spared better than any other. It is chiefly com-
posed of men from Milford Derby & Woodbridge There is I am
told a very good troop of horse at Stratford It was our calcu-
lation at Hartford that this troop with the three others named
should constitute a Regiment of Horse Artillery. I have heard
nothing in respect to Col Halls Regiment. But I have no doubt
that every troop would volunteer if the business were fully ex-
plained to them. I have yet found not the slightest difficulty. I
have said little to the 4^^ troop because I supposed it desireable
that the offer should first be made to those companies which
were best fitted for the Artillery.
The first troop in my regiment which your Excellency has re-
cently accepted as Horse Artillery is extremely desirous of being
continued as the first company in the Regiment under the new
organization
I expect to have the pleasure of communicating in a few days
to your Excellency further particulars in regard to the new ar-
rangement With the great respect I am
Your Excellency’s
Most obt servant
Geo. Hoadly
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Sharon
[Endorsed] Col. Hoadly — de Horse Artillery 15. March 1816
— rec^ 19^^ — re-examine it —
WILLIAM HUMPHREYS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:57]
Humphreysville March 20^^ 1816
T 0 His Gov^ Smith/
Sir/
The 2^ Comp^ State Cavalry, which I have the honor to
195
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
command, is from the following causes, of course, constantly
diminishing.
1®*^ There has none enlisted into it since (or indeed for some
time before) the termination of the War.
2^ Some have died & a number have moved away out of the
State & two or three, (supposing the State Troops as a natural
consequence were dissolved) upon the news of peace, enlisted
back again into the Militia Cavalry from whence they had be-
fore enlisted into the State core, what I ought to do respecting
them I am unable to determine. It has been the opinion of
most of the Company; that in the arrangement of the Military
System of the State, this Comp^ would be dissolved or annexed
to other Companies of Militia Cavalry & indeed considering the
circumstances of the Company perhaps it will be the very best
thing that can be done, its present limit is very extensive, includ-
ing Derby, Oxford, Middlebury, Waterbury, Woodbridge,
Huntington & Newtown. All the Commissioned Officers besides
myself together with my oldest Serj‘ before the War considered
themselves exempt from Military duty, they say it was motives
of Patriotism that induced them to tender their services to the
state, during the war & that after the war was ended they did
not expect to be continued. They have indeed been at con-
siderable trouble & expense in the Military way & they have pe-
titioned me to request your Excellency to have their case con-
sidered. I think Myself, under the present circumstances of the
comp5" it would be best to dissolve it, though I have born the
major part of the extra trouble & expence in raising & disiplining
the Compy which I have the honor to command, yet as I am a
young man I am still willing to continue in the Military servise
of the State or to abide the decission of the commissioners ap-
pointed to arrange the Military System of the State.
I am Sir, with sentiments
of the highest consideration
and Respect Your
Most Ob' HW® Ser^t
W^ Humphreys
[Superscribed] To His Ex"=y John Cotton Smith Sharon
196
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Endorsed] Capt. W“ Humphreys rec*^ 9^^ April — answ*^ 10*^
1816
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:58]
Norwich 20 March 1816
My dear sir
By yesterdays mail I was honored with your Excellencys fa-
vour of the 16^^ Your Excellency is pleased to remark
that you had beared nothing from me on the subject of the
Ashford meeting or any abstract of the militia returns I
presume they must have reached Sharon on the day of the date
of your excellencys letter the report of the officers
convened at Ashford was put into the mail on the 8^^ & the
abstract of the militia into the mail on the IT^ Last week I called
on Col° Williams on the subject of Horse Artillery & this
morning I have called on him wishing to know whether any
thing conclusive had been done he informed me that he
found on his return home, that some difference of opinion ex-
isted among the cavalry as to the expediency of being formed
into Horse Artillery & he though it prudent to use delay in hopes
to effect unanimity he was impressed with the neces-
sity of an early decission, & would exert himself to accomplish
the business & inform your excellency of the results at as
early a day as possible
I am with much respect
yours very sincerely
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon Via
New Haven C Landg Mar 20 15
[Endorsed] Adj^ General — 20. March 1816 — de Col. Williams
of the cavalry —
197
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY
[9:59]
Sharon 23. March 1816
Sir —
After the rec*^ of your favour of the 5th instant I wrote Col.
Deming on the subject of reducing the troop at Middletown be-
longing to his regiment — I wish you not to mention his
opinion, but he seems decidedly opposed to that measure —
He thinks the reduction ought to fall on the troop at Chatham
if its application to be formed into Horse Artillery should
not be accepted — & he suggests the expediency of attempting
to unite that troop with the Horse Artillery in Middletown —
I perceive it is a small troop & that there is little prospect of
its being recruited — I have delayed a decision on its petition
to be formed into Horse Artillery until I hear from the Col-
onels of cavalry on the coast — who with the exception of
Col. Hoadly have been very dilatory in their report — —
Allow me to trouble you again for your opinion of the project
intimated by Col. Deming —
I judge from your letter that there is not much hope of fill-
ing your horse artillery excepting from cavalry —
In haste I am Sir your
friend & ob. sr*
Col. Whittelsey —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
[9 :60]
Sharon 23. March 1816
sir —
I find the eastern mail lay over one week at Litchfield — so
that your favours of the 8^^ & 1 instant are but now received
— The delay is to be very much regretted — I hasten to for-
ward by the mail this day the foregoing order; which I hope
you will be able to circulate in season — if not you will please
198
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
to vary the day of meeting accordingly — Insert also the
name of the Innkeeper at Norwich —
I think we must complete the organization of the regiments
before we enter upon the formation of companies — Be pleased
therefore to inform me as speedily as may be on what days you
can conveniently attend — say at N. Haven, Fairfield, Litch-
field & Hartford taking the second, fourth, sixth & first brig-
ades in one circuit — and I will have the orders in readiness to
be forwarded to you without delay — Learn the place of resi-
dence of the Colonels so that there may be no omissions if pos-
sible — I regret that Col. Kibbee of the brigade was over-
looked and am of opinion you had best write him explaining
the circumstance & inform him I shall be happy still to hear his
objections if any he has to the arrangement proposed by the
board —
I conceive it will hardly be advisable to vary the limits of a
regiment or brigade merely to include a field-officer who may
go out of office in a very short time — I see not why Col.
Shephard may not remain in command if it is his right notwith-
standing he happens to reside on the wrong side of a mathe-
matical line —
I am D*" Sir very sincerely your
ob^ ser*^
N. B. Be so good as to inform me why Col. Young
did not attend the meeting of the board —
Major Gen^ Huntington Ad. Gen^
[Endorsed] To Adj‘ General covering General Orders for 3.
Brigades 23. March 1816
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JAMES PECK
[9:61]
Sharon 23. March 1816 —
Sir —
your letter is received and in reply I have to observe that is is
not in my power to remove you into another corps. I can dis-
199
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
charge you from your present office — but as the law now
stands you will be liable still to do duty as a private in the mil-
itia — If you are disposed to enlist into the first troop 2. Reg^
of cavalry now formed into Horse Artillery and run your
chance for promotion (there being vacancies to be filled)
I will at your desire discharge you from your present office
— I regret extremely the occasion for any such arrangement
but I think of no other that will relieve you from your
embarrassment — you will please to inform me without de-
lay whether under all circumstances you are desirous of being
discharged from the office you hold in the Horse guards —
I am Sir your ob^ ser^
Lieut. James Peck —
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:62]
State of Connecticut
General orders
March 23. 1816
A board of General officers have reported to the Com-
mander in chief as their opinion that the following towns with
the exception of that part of Haddam which lies on the east
side of Connecticut River should comprize one brigade of In-
fantry pursuant to the “Act for forming and conducting the
military force of this state” — to wit — New London, Bozrah,
Colchester, Franklin, Griswold, Groton, Lisbon, Lyme, Mont-
ville, Norwich, North stonington, Preston, Stonington, Water-
ford, Chatham, East Haddam, Lebanon, Voluntown, Marlbor-
ough, & Hebron ; which report is under consideration — In the
meantime the Commander in chief is desirous of obtaining the
advice & opinion of the Brigadier General and the Acting Lieu-
tenant colonel commandants of infantry within those limits rel-
ative to the most expedient method of forming the infantry there-
in into four regiments, the number required by the Act. The offi-
cers just mentioned will accordingly meet at [left blank] inn in
Norwich on the day of April next at Po’clock in the after-
200
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
noon ; and when thus assembled will constitute a board at which
Brigadier General Isham will preside. They will confer together
upon the subject above referred to them & report their opinion
thereon at as early a day thereafter as may be convenient.
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present and to fur-
nish the board with such documents in his hands as may assist
them in forming their result
By order of the Commander in chief
[Endorsed] General orders for 3"’^ Brigade — 23. March 1816
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ABEL HALL
[9:63]
Sharon 23. March 1816
Sir —
When I had the pleasure of meeting the Colonels of cavalry
at Hartford it was agreed, you will remember, that the Com-
mandant on the coast should take the earliest opportunity to
consult their respective regiments on the subject of converting
them into Horse-Artillery and apprize me of the result — I
have since received a very satisfactory communication from
Colonel Hoadly of the second regiment; but from Colonel
Williams & yourself I am not as yet favoured with any intel-
ligence — The arrangements respecting the cavalry & Horse
Artillery you must be sensible have in the mean time been
wholly suspended — The plan reported by the board is so
very desirable that I cannot but feel much solicitude for its
adoption. — I am confident Sir this important measure has not
escaped your attention, and I hope therefore soon to learn
that the 4*^^ regiment of cavalry have cheerfully subscribed to
the patriotic views of their Commandant —
I am Sir respectfully your ob*
& hum. ser*^
J. C. S —
Col. Hall —
201
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ENOCH FOOTE
[with 9:63]
Sharon 23. March 1816
Dear Sir
The Lieut, colonel Commandants of cavalry who were con-
vened at Hartford by Gen^ orders on the 14*^ February last
reported to me as their opinion that the eight regiments of
cavalry should be reduced to five (the number allowed by the
new act) by converting the three regiments on the Sea coast
into Horse Artillery — and the colonels of those regiments
engaged to consult the wishes of their men relative to this
proposition without delay & inform me of the result — Every
well-wisher to the Safety of our maritime frontier must feel
gratified if this measure can be accomplished — From Col.
Hoadly of the 2“^ regiment I have already received very pleas-
ing information — but from Col. Williams of the 3^^ & Col.
Hall of the 4*^^ I have as yet heard nothing — As I am un-
acquainted with Col. Hall’s place of residence I trouble you
with the enclosed letter to him upon that subject & will thank
you to give it the proper direction & forward it as speedily as
possible — Your personal influence in favour of the proposed
arrangement will in my judgment be of essential service —
I am respectfully D*’ Sir your ob^ &
hum. Ser^
B. Gen^ Foote —
[Endorsed] To Gen^ Foote & Col. Hall — 23. March 1816 de
Horse Artillery —
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:64]
State of Connecticut
March 25‘^ 1816
General Orders
A board of General officers have reported to the Com-
mander in chief that in their opinion the following town should
comprize one Brigade of Infantry pursuant to the “Act for
202
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
forming and conducting the Military force of this state”, to wit
— New Haven, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guil-
ford, Hamden, Meriden, Milford, North Haven, Oxford,
Wallingford, Waterbury, Woodbridge, Wolcott, Durham, Kil-
lings worth, Saybrook, and that part of Haddam lying west of
Connecticut river. Which report is under consideration, except-
ing nevertheless that the whole of the town of Haddam is to
be deemed & taken as included within the limits of the proposed
brigade. The Commander in chief is desirous of obtaining the
opinion and advice of the Brigadier General and the acting
Lieutenant Colonel Commandants of Infantry within those
limits relative to the most expedient method of forming the
Infantry therein into four regiments, the number prescribed
by the act. The officers just mentioned will accordingly meet
at [left blank] in the city of New-Haven on the
day of April next at one’o’clock in the afternoon; and when
thus assembled will constitute a board at which Brigadier Gen-
eral Howe will preside. They will confer together upon the
subject above referred to them and report their opinion there-
on at as early a day thereafter as may be convenient —
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present, and to
furnish the board with such documents in his hands as may assist
them in forming a result —
By order of the Commander in chief —
[Endorsed] General orders for 2°^ Brigade — 25. March 1816
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:65]
Norwich 25 March 1816
My dear sir
On the 8*^^ &; IT^ I wrote your excellency & on the 20 I wrote
you again acknowledging the rec‘ of your Excellencys favour of
the 16^^ since which I have rec** no communication from your ex-
cellency —
203
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In June 1806 I appointed Thomas M. Huntington Esquire
my aide de camp, in which office he continued till February
1815, at which time he was endeavoring to establish himself in
New York, at his request I dismissed him 1 rec*^ a letter
from him under date of the 19*^^ inclosing his warrant stating —
— That to exempt him from militia duty in New York, it is
made necessary by law, that he should obtain a certificate from
his excellency the Governour of this state "'That he had held
the appointment, and performed the duties appertaining to the
office, for the term of more than eight years; and had been hon-
orably discharged I have indorsed the warrant & inclose the
same to your excellency with a request that you will be pleased
to give the necessary certificate, & inclose the warrant back
to me by mail 1 pray your excellency to pre-
sent my respectful compliments to M’’® Smith & to your sons
family & believe me with much esteem
yours very sincerely
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon —
[Endorsed] Adj‘ General — 25. March 1816 — de certificate
for Major Huntington — Sent certificate —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BUTLER
[9 :66]
T 0 John Butler Captain of the late 6^^ company in
the 2^^ regiment of infantry State troops — Greeting —
Whereas the company aforesaid were on the 9*^ day of Feb-
ruary last at their special instance & request accepted by me as
a company of Riflemen agreeably to the Statute lately made
& provided — and whereas I have thought proper to comply
with your request to retire from the command of said company
after a captain shall have been chosen and commissioned in
your stead, I do therefore direct that you cause legal notice
to be given said company to meet at such time & place as you
shall designate for the purpose & when so assembled that you
204
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
lead them to the choice of a captain & also to the choice of a
Suitable person to fill any vacancy which may happen in con-
sequence of such choice — bearing in mind that the commis-
sioned officers of said company are by law to consist of one cap-
tain, one Lieutenant & one Ensign — You will transmit this order
with your doings thereon endorsed to the Adjutant General
who in due time will return the same to the Honourable the
General Assembly When your successor is commissioned
you are to be considered as honorably discharged from the
command of said company — Given under my hand the 26^^
day of March AD 1816
J. C, S. Capt. gen^
Sir —
Having granted your request to be released from command
after your successor shall be chosen & commissioned I for-
ward to you the foregoing order which I doubt not you will
duly execute — The company is to be considered as organized
— One General order will embrace the organization of all
the companies as soon as the corps shall be complete —
Your favour of the 24^^ ultimo was duly received — I de-
layed an answer until the Adjt. Gen^ had transmitted to me an
abstract of the late Militia returns — It has just arrived — I
perceive by the return from Durham that the 2°^ comp consists
of 32 men and the 4*^ comp, has also 32 men — I should like
to be informed whether the Captains have included in these
numbers those individuals who have lately associated with your
company — After receiving this information I shall be in a
better situation to determine whether they are to remain —
An order will issue at a proper time presenting the “kind
of rifle and the length & bore of the barrel” — I presume the
period you ask will elapse before your men will be required
to furnish themselves with that article — In the mean time
they will make use of their muskets —
I am Sir your ob^ & h™ ser*^
J. C. S —
Sharon 26. March 1816 —
Capt. Butler —
205
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Endorsed] Order to Capt. Butler of the Rifle corps — 26.
March 1816 — & letter &c Copy —
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:67]
State of Connecticut
March 26‘^ 1816 —
General Orders —
A Board of General officers have reported to the Com-
mander in chief that in their opinion the following towns
should comprize one Brigade of Infantry pursuant to the
“Act for forming and conducting the Military force of this
State” — to wit — “Fairfield, Danbury, Brookfield, Green-
wich, Huntington, New Canaan, New Fairfield, Newtown,
Norwalk, Reading, Ridgefield, Stamford, Stratford, Sherman,
Trumbull, Weston, and New Milford” which report is under
consideration. The Commander in chief is desirous of ob-
taining the advice & opinion of the Brigadier General and the
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Commandants of Infantry within
those limits (excluding therefrom however so much of the town
of New Milford as lies within the Society of New Preston)
relative to the most expedient method of forming the Infantry
therein into four regiments, the number prescribed by the Act.
The officers just mentioned will accordingly meet at [left blank]
inn in Fairfield on the [left blank] day of April next at one’
o’clock in the afternoon ; and when thus assembled will constitute
a Board at which Brigadier General Foote will preside. They will
confer together upon the subject above referred to them and
report their opinion thereon at as early a day thereafter as may
be conveneint.
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present and to fur-
nish the board with such documents in his hands as may assist
them in forming their result —
By order of the Commander in Chief —
[Endorsed] General Orders for 4^^ Brigade — 26^^ March 1816
206
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:68]
Norwich 27^^ March 1816
My dear sir
Yesterdays mail furnished me with your excellencys
favour of the 23^ accompanied with a General Order of the
same date the orders for the respective officers will be
put in mail & leave this place this day and I presume reach
all the officers this week, excepting the one for CoE Shepard
of Hebron, (Andover Society,) which may not reach him till
next week — as I understand he lives about half way between
the two Hebron Post Offices
Before I left Ashford I wrote CoE Kibbee and stated the
cause of my omitting to notify him of the meeting, & gave the
letter to CoE E. Smith of Tolland who expected to see CoE
Kibbee & explain more fully the accident, & communicate the
formation of regiments as reported to your excellency 1
have rec*^ a letter from Colonel Kibbee acknowledging himself
satisfied with the excuse, but observes that being ignorant of
the proposed formation, he can not approbate the arrangement
as wished & requested by me until he is informed of the lines
On my return from Ashford I saw Major Fitch who
informed me that CoE Young was obliged to attend the N
London County Court on the day of our meeting which pre-
vented his attendance The state of the roads will com-
pell me as far as practicable to use the stage for conveyance,
in meeting the officers of the respective brigades; when the
stages will not answer I will procure other conveyance
— I would propose that If your excellencys orders should
reach me next week to distribute the same to all the officers
as soon as practicable & commence with the 2^ brigade on
Wednesday the 17^^ at 10 “Clock AM at New Haven, the 4^^
brigade at Eairfield or Norwalk on Friday the 19^^ at 10 “Clock
MM, the 6*^^ brigade at Litchfield on the (23'* or) 24^*^ calculat-
ing a stage from New Haven on a monday or tuesday — and
207
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
the first brigade at Hartford on the 26*^ at 3 °Clock PM, or
on the 29^^ at 10 “Clock AM
The extension of the limits of the 2^ brigade will require
about a day for some of the commandants to travel to New
Haven 1 would wish directions from your excel-
lency whether Major Marks of the 10* Reg* should be notified,
to attend as there is no Colonel to that regiment The
Brigadiers & Commandants of reg° in the P* brigade reside
in Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor Canton & Farmington,
but only one of them exceeding nine miles & he will have
only twelve, of course will have abundant time to meet at 10'
“Clock in the morning Should your excellency wish
any different arrangement from the one proposed 1 pre-
sume I shall find no difficulty in meeting your wishes A
stage leaves this town every tuesday morning for Hartford,
& every tuesday thursday & Saturday, (afternoon) for New
Haven, of course I can communicate orders every other day
by New Haven to Hartford &C My wishes would have
dictated a commencement of the business a week earlier, had
not the fast day been on that week The gentlemen I think
can not want more than a day & a half for deliberation & com-
pletion of a report in each brigade, or two days at farthest
Your excellency will perceive, that any other arrangement
than the one proposed will be perfectly agreeable to me, and
I wish your excellency to make such arrangement as to time
& place, as will give the most satisfaction to the Brigadiers &
Commandants leaving me barely time after leaving one brigade
meeting, to reach another
I am with esteem & respect
sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Govemour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Adj* General — 27. March 1816 — de Col. Kibbee
and times of meeting boards of officers —
208
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
GENERAL ORDERS
[9 :69]
State of Connecticut
March 27'^ 1816
General Orders —
A Board of General officers have reported to the Commander
in Chief that in their opinion the following town should com-
prize one brigade of Infantry pursuant to the “Act for forming
and conducting the Military force of this State” — to wit —
Litchfield, Barkhamstead, Bethlem, Canaan, Colebrook, Corn-
wall, Goshen, Harwinton, Kent, New Hartford, Norfolk, Ply-
mouth, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Washington,
Warren, Watertown, Winchester, Woodbury, Middlebury,
Southbury, and Hartland; which report is under consideration.
The Commander in Chief is desirous of obtaining the opinion and
advice of the Brigadier Generals and acting Lieutenant colonel
commandants of infantry within those limits (adding thereto
that part of the Society of New Preston which lies within the
hounds of New Milford) relative to the most expedient method
of forming the infantry therein into four regiments, the number
prescribed by the act. The officers just mentioned will accord-
ingly meet at Gatlin’s inn in Litchfield on the [left blank] day of
April next at one’o’clock in the afternoon ; and when thus assem-
bled will constitute a board at which the Senior Brigadier General
present will preside. They will confer together upon the subject
above referred to them and report their opinion thereon at as
early a day thereafter as may be convenient.
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present & to furnish
the Board with such documents in his hands, as may assist them
in forming a result
By order of the Commander in chief —
[Endorsed] General Orders for Brigade — 27^^ March 1816
209
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :70]
Norwich March 1816
His Excellency
Governour Smith
Sir Captain Lester who commands the company of artil-
lerists, recently raised in the town of Griswold, is very anxious
to obtain a piece of brass ordinance for the use of his company,
and he informs me that there are two pieces of that description
at New London & that the Matross Captain at that place, inform*^
him one could be conveniently spared
Will your execellency excuse me in aiding Cap^ Lesters re-
quest, by soliciting your permission to have him accommodated
& give an order for that purpose, as you may please to direct to
the Quarter Master Gen^ for that purpose or to the Captain of
the Matross Company at New London — I am with much re-
spect & esteem,
your excellencys humble serv*
Eben : Huntington
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon
Jewett-City Cb March 29
[Endorsed] Adj* General — 28‘^ March 1816 de ordnance for
Capt. Lester’s company — Issued order to Q. M. Gen^ ac-
cordingly —
JOHN COTTON SMITH
TO EBENEZER HUNTINGTON
[9:71]
Sharon 29. March 1816
Dear Sir
To save time I conclude not to wait for a reply to my let-
ter of the 23*^ instant and accordingly now enclose Gen^ orders
for the 2°^ 4^^ & 6^^ brigades respectively — You will fill the
blanks at your discretion & even extend the time if necessary —
I hope however you will be able to see them executed in all April
210
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
You will be pleased to notice particularly the variations
which I have found it advisable to make in the original report of
the Gen^ officers — Altho’ they cannot materially change the
result, they are nevertheless very interesting to the parties con-
cerned — I have considered it respectful & proper to invite to
the board both Brigadiers in the 1®*^ & 6^^ brigades — In the latter
indeed I knew not which had the rank & was therefore not
sorry that they should be thus furnished with an opportunity of
settling their pretensions —
I am D** Sir very sincerely yours
Adg* Geffi Huntington —
[Endorsed] To Adj‘ Geffi 29. March 1816 enclosing Geffi orders
for 1®^ 2^ brigades
[WILLIAM PLUMER] TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:72]
Epping (N. H.) March 30. 1816
Dear Sir
From my former acquaintance with you, I have taken the
liberty of soliciting a favor, which your official station renders
easy to grant. Please to inform me what is the present annual
salry of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Chief Justice, & associate
justices of the supreme or highest court of law in Connecticut.
I do not by the highest court mean your court of appeals or
assistants. Your answer by the mail will confer a favor on me.
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotten Smith Gov-
ernor of Connecticut Sharon O
[Endorsed] Hon. W“ Plumer (N. H.) rec*^ 17^^ April answ^ D°
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE HOADLY
[9 :73]
Sharon 30. March 1816
Sir
Col. Hall of the 4. reg*' cavalry has been with me the present
week & has received instructions to consolidate his four Troops
into two companies constituting one battalion of Horse Artillery
211
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
— Their number will give nearly the complement required by
the act in commissioned officers non commissioned officers &
privates leaving only two supernumerary captains & cornets —
I did not advert to the circumstance, until this interview
with Col. Hall, that the colonels of cavalry in the details of their
report, overlooked the company of Horse Artillery at Middle-
town which was organized early in January — The order was
made returnable to the office of the adjutant general but prob-
ably had not been received — otherwise that officer would un-
doubtedly have communicated the fact to the board — Misled
by this omission influenced by your remarks respecting your
troop and considering the second as likely to be otherwise
disposed of I have fallen I fear into an error in accepting the
first & third until the others had been allowed an opportunity
of being combined with them in the same battalion — How is
the evil to be corrected ? — It would now seem that a battalion
should be formed from each of the three regiments and that
the companies at Middletown & Colchester, who have the same
uniform & have been accustomed to act together, should com-
pose the fourth battalion
I have as yet no communication from Col. Williams — Should
he not be able to raise a battalion from his regiment we may
in that event perhaps dispose of the whole of yours without
much difficulty — Be pleased to favour me with your thoughts
upon this subject & believe
me EK Sir with much esteem your ob‘ ser*^
Col. Hoadly — 2. Reg^ —
N. B. If Col. Williams should raise a whole battalion may not
your four troops still be consolidated ? —
[Endorsed] To Col. Hoadly of Reg* Cavalry — 30. March
1816 de Horse Artillery
ENOCH FOOTE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:74]
^ Bridgeport April 1®* 1816
Dear Sir
I rec^ your Excellencys Letter in time with one inclosed for
Col Hall — I had the good fortune to See him in one hour after
212
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I rec** it — he informed me he had Seen your Excellency after
the date of the Letter and knew its Contents Col Hall has been
heretofore opposed to the Regt being Converted into Horse
Artillery but I am happy to find his mind now changed — he has
ordered the Reg^ to assemble this week and promises he will
use all the Influance he is master of to pursuade them to accept
the offer of forming themselves into the before mentioned Corps
— Col Hall is a good officer (tho not so much polished as some)
he is an able Farmer and has great influence over the minds
of his soldiers — I think with what little aid I Can give will be
able to obtain a majority in favour — I have seen the Cap^ of the
first Company who has been opposed but now is in favour of this
mesure — he has promist me he will use every exertion to
Correct the minds of his men I assure your Excellency
that I am desidedly in favour of this Corps I believe it to be the
most efficient force that Can be formed — I am much Gratified
that your Excellency takes such a deep Interest in such an inter-
esting Cause to the State as I think this to be in Converting
this allmost useless force into so Valuable one when properly or-
ganized and trained it is well known to every man of
the Least observation that a Militia Cavalry Can be of but little
use in the defence of the state against invasion — altho the
Cavalry is made up of the flour of our youth — one Brigade
of Horse Artillery properly organized and well Trained — is
worth more for a defence against a Maritime Enemy than all
the Cavalry in the State — I Shall attend at the assembling of the
Reg‘ if posable and I flater my Self your Excellency will be
pleased with the result
altho Sir I am Calculating to resign at May Session — yet I
Shall endever to do all in my power to encourage and Support
the Militia that I have the honour to Command So Long as I am
trusted with my present office
With Sincere Resp^ I am your
Excelencys most obet Humble Servt
Enoch Foote
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esqr
213
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esqr Sharon
[Endorsed] Brig^ Gen^ Foote — 1. April 1816 de Horse Artil-
lery—
JAMES PECK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:75]
(April)
New Haven 2^ March 1816.
Sir
Your Excellency’s Letter I had the Honor of reciving on
29‘^ Mch — dated 23^ ult°
I now request of your Excellency a discharge from the 2^
Compy G. H. Guards
Humbly hope I may herafter have an opportunity of Serving
the State with honor to my Self in the Horse Artilery in which
corps I expect to inlist
Accept Sir the thanks of
your most Obliged & humble Serv^ —
James Peck
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esq** Sharon
Conn 10
[Endorsed] James Peck — 2“** Lieut. 2. C° G. H. Guards re-
questing a discharge — granted — (See Major Prescott’s
letter — issued order 10^^ April 1816 —
RETURN OF THE 7TH REGIMENT MILITIA
[9:76]
Statistics omitted in this publication.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :77]
Norwich April 2°^ 1816.
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Sharon
Sir
I have hitherto deferred addressing Your
Excellency with the wish to come to a final communication re-
214
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
specting the converting the troops in the 3^ Reg^ of Cavalry into
Horse Artillery: But so great has been the delay that without
waiting for the result I proceed to state to Your Excellency
the progress of this business
On my return from Hartford I transmitted the proposals to
the respective Captains, but it would seem however a fatality
attends it, one of the Captains was on a sick bed from which he
probably will never recover. Another was absent and a third did
not receive my letter owing to the carelessness of the person
(Maj*" Crocker) by whom it was entrusted, Such I
found to be the case on the route I took among them at the
moment Gen^ Huntington called on me.
I have since waited with impatience the returns and as yet
have rec*^ only one which is from the 3'^ Troop. This I do not
transmit as many of the Company were absent and I wait their
Signatures.
I sett off tomorrow to visit each Troop for the sole purpose of
bringing this business to an end.
I feel mortified at the delay which has taken place, but as it
is their will & not mine that is to be consulted, & their time &
not mine I trust Your Excellency will Consider it accordingly
I have the honor to be
with Great Consideration
Your Excellencys
Ob^ Hble. S'
Williams Jr
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith &c. &c.
Sharon.
[Endorsed] Col. Williams 2. April 1816
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :78]
Middletown April 4'^^ 1816
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 23^ Ul° arrived during my absence, or an
215
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
earlier reply would have been given. I agree with Col° Deming
that the troop of Cavalry at Chatham ought to be reduced, but
I am satisfied that his project of uniting them with y® Horse
artillery in this town, can never be effectual to any good purpose.
That troop are at least Seven Miles from this town, & most of
its number live more than Nine Miles from here, — the Coun-
try from which it is raised is very rocky, hilly & totally unfit
either for Cavalry or horse Artillery — besides, there cannot
be collected on any one day, a sufficient number of that troop
to equal the compliment of noncommissioned officers in a Com-
pany of horse artillery, & it is impracticable to raise any
considerable number of Men in that quarter, especially if they
have to cross the river to do Duty. I do not believe it would be
at all expedient to attempt the union suggested. The Troop
of Cavalry in this town is respectable, but I believe it will be
for the public interest that it should be reduced, or that the
Compy of Horse Artillery should be be disbanded — Many of
the Troopers are willing & disposed to join the Horse Artillery,
some few are desirous of joining the Rifle Company — but
either Company can be reduced without any serious evil, as it is
merely a dispute as to what Officers shall command.
At the request of some Gentlemen at Saybrook I enclose Y**
Excellency the Petit^ of Ansel South worth & others praying
to be organized as a Rifle Comp^ I am informed that the Peti-
tioners reside chiefly in Chester Parish & that the Batt“ Com-
panies in that quarter are large. There is but one independant
Comp’^ in that Reg^ ie the Artillery lately commanded by Maj""
Jewett. With the Pet“ is a return of the Reg^ under the hand of
the adjutant, I do not know how the Companies are located.
There are ten subscribers in addition to those whose names are
on the Pet° enclosed. One or two respectable Gent° from Say-
brook, have given it as there opinion that the Pet° may granted
without any injury to the battallion Infantry
I am with great
respect Your Excellency’s
very Obed^ Humble Serv*^
Chauncey Whittelsey
216
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Col. Whittelsey 4. April 1816 rec^ 13*^ de rifle comp,
at Saybrook — also reduction of cavalry —
HORATIO G. HALE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:79]
Hartford April 4^^ 1816
I am requested by several members of the 9*^^ Comp^ State
Troops, lately under my command, to inform your Excell^ that
they contemplate volunteering their services into the Rifle Corps,
to be raised ; provided the rendezvous for a Company should be
established in this place. They wish likewise to know in what
manner the Corps is to be uniformed, or, if none is yet adopted,
to request any information, or suggestion with regard to it, which
your Excell^ may think proper to communicate.
The pecuniary circumstances of many members of the Com-
pany are such, that they do not feel warranted in volunteering
until they can ascertain the expense of equipment, with some
degree of accuracy.
They likewise wish for general instruction, with regard to the
manner in which they should proceed, in order to accomplish
the object (should they be accepted) in season to clear them from
fines in the militia. I am with due respect
Your ExcelE® Obed*^ serv^
Horatio G. Hale
[Superscribed] His Excell^ John Cotton Smith Esq'’ Sharon
[Endorsed] Capt. H. G. Hale (Hartford) 4. April 1816 rec^ &
answ^ 13^^ de rifle corps —
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, JR. TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :80]
Norwich 5^^ April 1816.
0 %V ^
1 had the honour to address Your Excellency on the 2°^ Inst.
217
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
to which I crave your reference, since which I am favored with
Your Esteemed letter of the 28^^ Ult°
I have just returned from the circuit among the Troops of this
regiment, and though unable to forward their returns at this
time I have nevertheless the pleasure to announce to your Ex-
cellency they are in a good train & will I trust be speedily com-
pleted when they shall be transmitted without delay. — I re-
gret that this Regiment should have been the last to offer their
services to a measure in which (as Your Excellency observes)
the honour and safety of the State are so much concerned.
Yet in justice to the promptness and zeal which they have
manifested in the innovations which have been made in a
change of the Uniform, acquiring the Sabre exercise. Military
Meetings, &c. I am free to observe could this proposition have
been made to the Regiment enmasse they would have met the
proposal without opposition, while the Mode adopted by the
Captains of calling on every member of the Company for his
assent has been not only tedious & protracted, but less beneficial
in its result
The report of the Colonels of the Cavalry embraced as Your
Excellency will observe the Company at Middletown. Yet the
annexing of the Company to this Regiment in lieu of a Company
from Col° Hoadleys Regiment, cannot essentially effect the ar-
rangement, unless they should meet by Regiment for Inspection &
review The extreme limits of the Regiment being in that case
greater than in the other.
It will in other respects no doubt be preferable. With great
respect
I am
Your Excellencys
OU Hb,le. Serv^
WM Williams Jr
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon.
[Endorsed] Col. Williams 5. April 1816 —
218
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:81]
Gen^ orders 6. April 1816
The company of light artillery commanded by Captain Lewis
Gorham originally annexed to the 4*^^ regiment 4. Brigade of in-
fantry, having unanimously presented through their captain an
application to the Captain General to be disbanded, and it ap-
pearing on inquiry that the company contains a very small num-
ber of privates and that there is no rational prospect of filling
ranks by enlistment, the Captain General has thought proper
to grant their request — It is accordingly ordered that the
company aforesaid be & the same hereby is reduced — The
Commissioned officers thereof towit — Lewis Gorham Captain,
Isaac Hall first Lieutenant and Jeremiah Burton second Lieu-
tenant at their desire are to be considered as honourably dis-
charged after having delivered over to the Quarter Master Gen-
eral (who will take charge of the same) all such ordnance &
property of every kind belonging to the state as may have been
confided to said company — The rest of the individuals com-
posing said company (who are not otherwise exempt by law
from military duty) will remain subject to be enrolled in the
company or companies of infantry within whose limits they
may respectively reside; nevertheless to afford them an oppor-
tunity to furnish themselves with the necessary equipments it
is the pleasure of the Captain General that they be not called
upon for exercise inspection or review until the first monday
in September next —
By order &c
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO [DAVID HAWLEY, JR.]
[9 :82]
Sharon 6. April 1816
Sir
By the returns lately received from the Adjutant General
I perceive the company under your command is the only one
in the Society of Ripton. Should it be formed into a company
219
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
of Riflemen it will become necessary to extend the limits of
some neighbouring infantry company over your parish for the
purpose of including those accessions to the militia which
are constantly made by young men arriving at the legal age for
military service — These young men will of course be com-
pelled either to enlist into the rifle company or to train in an-
other parish — But the rifle company may be full, & in that
event they will have no alternative — Anxious as I am to
accede to your proposition, I feel nevertheless great difficulty
in surmounting this objection If you can remove it I shall
most cheerfully receive your company into a corps which I
am very desirous should be filled as speedily as possible —
In reorganizing the militia it is my wish and so far as the
execution of the act may devolve upon me it is my determina-
tion to allow each located society in the state, if practicable, at
least one military company even altho’ its numbers may not
amount to the complement desired — and that consolidations
when necessary be made in those societies where there are more
than one company — In short that no man if it can be avoided
shall be obliged to attend ordinary military duty out of the
limits of his own parish
The Adjutant General will meet the Colonels of Infantry in
the 4^^ brigade at Fairfield about the 20^^^ instant — You will
then have an opportunity of showing him this letter & stating
to him any further observations you may wish to make upon
this subject — He will report them to me, & you may rest
assured there will be a disposition on my part to comply with
your wishes as far as a due regard to the public interest will
permit I am sir your ob^ & hm^ ser*^
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:83]
Norwich 8 April 1816
My dear sir
Inclosed is the report of the board of officers of the third
220
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
brigade convened at Norwich on the 4*^^ of this month
which report I wish safe to hand and to satisfaction
Your excellencys favours of the 28^^ and 29 Ult° were re-
ceived with their inclosures and duly attended to — — the
last of the circulars will be put in the mail this day Brig-
adiers & Lieutenant Colonels Commandant of the 2^ & 4^^ brig-
ades, will probably have generally received their circulars the
last week —
Col° Williams resides in this town, & had his letter the day I
received it — I had the day before, suggested to him that
he had better inform your excellency of his progress & the pros-
pect of the result
I am with much esteem and respect
yours very sincerely
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency
Governour Smith
{Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon
(Endorsed] Ad. General Huntington 8. April 1816
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :84]
Norwich 10 April 1816
Dear sir
Your excellencys order for the reduction of the fourth com-
pany of artillery in the fourth brigade was received by yesterdays
mail, and will be forwarded to General Foote this day
The orders rec*^ the third (I believe) for convening the Brig-
adier and Lieu^ Colonel Commandants of the proposed 2^
brigade have been forwarded, & the blank filled for meeting
me at New Haven on tuesday the 16^^ at New Haven 1 ° Clock
PM also for the proposed fourth brigade to meet me at
Eairfield on thursday the 18*^*^ at 1 °Clock PM for the
proposed sixth brigade to meet me at Litchfield on Wednesday
the 24^^^ at 1 “Clock — and for the proposed first brigade to meet
me at Hartford on Monday the 29^^^ at 1 “Qock
221
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The returns of the militia in the town of Warren hath not
yet been received —
I wrote your Excellency the covering the report of the
board of officers of the proposed third brigade I pray
your Excellency to accept my thanks for your attention to my
request in indorsing Major Huntingtons warrant which came to
hand yesterday
I am with respect and esteem
yours very sincerely
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency
Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon 10
[Endorsed] Ad. Geffi — 10. April 1816 — Times of visiting
several brigades —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO WILLIAM HUMPHREYS
[9:85]
Sharon 10^^ April 1816
Sir —
Your letter of the 20^^ ultimo did not reach me until yes-
terday evening —
The term of service of the “Military Corps” expired at the
close of the war. They were however by the act of May 1815
continued as militia until the rising of the General Assembly
in October then ensuing. At the Session last mentioned pro-
vision was made for receiving such of the companies as should
desire it into some of the select bodies of militia authorized by
the “Act for forming and conducting the military force of this
state”. Those who decline the proposition return of course to
militia infantry, and will he enrolled in the several companies
within whose limits the individuals may respectively reside; ex-
cepting that the commissioned officers are to be considered as
finally discharged from duty. However unavoidable, it is never-
theless to be regretted that the state must thus lose the talents
and services of some of her best military characters; in which
222
Pi4P£;/?S OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
number, it is but justice to add, you hold sir in my judgment a
distinguished place —
Capt. Humphreys
I am with sincere regard sir
your obedient & humble servant
J. C. Smith —
JOHN LESTER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:86]
Griswold April IT^ 1816
His Excelency
Gov Smith Sir The company of Artillery in this town lately
formed by your order through the Adj‘ Gen^ are desirous
that your excellency should determine whether untill their of-
ficers are commissioned and the company furnished with a field
piece are to be called out for exercise Or whether the
respective Captains of the companies from which they formely
and a few of late enlisted have a right to call on them to do
duty in the Infantry It would be the desire of many of the
company to be called out but the officers being without com-
missions could exercise no authority over them I pray
your Excellency to Give such directions as you may deem proper
lam your
most obd*^ and
Hhb^ serv* & Subj^
John Lester
N B The above is wrote by the advice of the Adg^ Gen^
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Esq*" Sharon
Conn p*" mail
[Endorsed] Capt. Jn° Lester 11. April 1816 — rec^ 17*^^ Answ^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE W. JEWETT
[9:87]
Sharon 13. April 1816
sir
I have this day received an application signed by Ansel South-
223
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
worth and others to the number of thirty four inhabitants of
Say brook requesting to be formed into a company of riflemen
— It is said there are ten other individuals concerned in the appli-
cation but whose names are not subscribed
It is very desirable to fill the rifle-corps — and it is also quite
expedient in my judgment that in reorganizing the militia there
should be allowed at least one company of infantry in each located
society — these applicants it is said reside principally in Chester
parish — Will you have the goodness to inform me whether
their request can be granted consistently with the principle just
mentioned? If so it will afford me real pleasure to receive them
into that corps —
With sincere esteem I am D'' sir
your ob‘ ser^
J. C S -
Major Jewett —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HORATIO G. HALE
[9:88]
Sharon 13. April 1816 —
Sir —
Your favour of the 4^^ inst. ought to have been rec^ the last
week, but did not reach me until this day —
Should the company of state troops lately under your com-
mand offer their services as riflemen they will be allowed to
wear their accustomed uniform — & a reasonable time given
them to procure their rifles If they volunteer as a company
their officers, or such of them as tender their services, will be
retained in command — If they apply as an association of in-
dividuals, and the associates amount to the number required by
the act (or nearly to that number) they will in that case be led to
a choice of officers — In either case an application should be
made out in form — subscribed by the associates & addressed
to the Commander in chief In forming the association
care must be taken not to include any member of an enlisted
224
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
company — and as it is desirable that there should be at least
one company of infantry in each located society the like caution
must be exercised not to defeat that object —
The wishes of the associates will be consulted as to their place
of rendezvous —
I can only add that it will afford me real pleasure to receive
further accessions to the corps of riflemen —
I am respectfully sir
your ob* &hm ser,
Capt. H. G. Hale —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO SAMUEL WAUGH
[9 :89]
Sharon 13. April 1816
Sir
I have received the application subscribed by yourself &
others members of the late 4^^ company of state troops request-
ing to be accepted as Riflemen pursuant to the act and I
hereby signify to you my compliance with the request, hoping
& expecting that the company may be recruited to the requisite
number without injury to the general arrangements proposed
for the militia — In recruiting, care must be taken not to
include members of any enlisted company — and as it is de-
sirable that there should be at least one infantry company in
each located society, the like caution must be exercised not to
defeat that object
I am happy to perceive your name at the head of the list & I
should like to be informed whether any of your subaltern officers
are disposed to be retained in command — if not I will immedi-
ately send you orders to lead the company to a choice —
I am Sir with sincere regard
your obedient servant
J. C. S —
Capt. Waugh —
[Endorsed] To Capt. S. Waugh —
225
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ROBERT GATES TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:90]
Derby April 15^^ 1816
Sir,
It is with real pleasure I acknowledge the rec* of your highly
esteemed favour of the 6*^ Inst
I have also the satisfaction to assure your Excellency that the
arrangement proposed in your communication meets my own
approbation, & the wishes of the officers & men belonging
to the Company which I have the honour to command.
I have only time to add that with perfect & consideration, I am
Your Excel ency’s
Very Ob^
And most Humble Servant &c
Robert Gates
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire
Sharon —
[Endorsed] Capt. R. Gates 15. April 1816 de Artillery —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN LESTER
[9:91]
Sharon 17. April 1816
Sir —
Your letter of the IR'^ instant is received — Such of the mem-
bers of your company as belonged to the late state troops are not
liable to do duty in the infantry — They are accepted as artiller-
ists under the act relating to the Military corps passed at the last
session and cannot therefore be considered as infantry for any
purpose — I have also as little doubt that the other individuals of
the company are holden by the acceptance of the association, pro-
vided they have been duly enlisted or enrolled — But of this not
knowing the precise circumstances of the case I am unable
to judge —
It is my expectation, although you are not yet Commissioned
that will invite the duly enrolled members of your company
226
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
to exercise on the day appointed by law — and it is equally my
expectation that they will cheerfully comply with your request —
I likewise hope the Q. M. General will have made arrangements
to supply you with at least one piece of ordnance by that day —
If not — the time can be profitably employed in the exercise of
the sword —
I am Sir your ob* & hum. Ser*^
Capt. Lester —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Lester —
GEORGE W. JEWETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :92]
Saybrook April 18 A. D. 1816.
His Excellency Goif Smith &c
Dear Sir Yours of the 13*^ Instant is this moment reived. In
answer I can State with Confidence that a rifle Company cannot
be raised in the Parish of Chester and leave any thing like a
full Company of Infantry in that Society. There are however
two companies of Infantry in the adjoining parish of Pet-
tipague; one of which I presume under the new organization
will be deranged, — that might be so incorporated with the
Parish of Chester as in my Judgment to render the thing prac-
ticable .... The Pettipague Company (so called) is more than
full, notwithsanding, the artillerists inlisted from it and a
part of the northern section of that called Deep river
District might be very conveniently annexed to Chester —
In hast — very respectfully
your Excellency’s obed(ient)
Servant
Geo. W Jewett
Please excuse this bungling Scroll. I write it at the Post office
with such materials as I could get .
[Superscribed] His Excellency Gov^ Smith Sharon Conn Say-
Brook April 19
[Endorsed] Major Jewett
227
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HORATIO G. HALE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :93]
Hartford April 24^^ 1816
His Ex^ John Cotton Smith Esq'^
Sir
Your favor of the 13*"^ was duly received. I enclose an
application from several members of the 9^^ Comp^ State Troops
for a Rifle Company. The number of applicants are small; —
many are either from home, or reside at a considerable distance
from this City & no invitation could conveniently be offered
them. I believe however, that the Company are generally pre-
pared to enlist & there is little doubt but that a company may
be filled by individual enlistment in the course of the present
year.
Should your ExcelR think proper to form a Comp^ on this
application, previous to the first Monday in May ; I am requested
by individuals not members of the state Corps, who are desirous
of enlisting, to enquire whether fines will be collected of them by
Militia Companies, should it appear that they had not time to pro-
cure Equipments before that period
I am with due respect.
Your Excellencys Obed^ Serv*
Horatio G. Hale
[Superscribed] His Ex^ John Cotton Smith Esq^ Sharon
[Endorsed] Association of Riflemen Hartford — 9*^ C° 1. Reg^
state troops rec*^ 26. April 1816 Suspended — see letter to
Capt. Hale Additional signatures having been obtained &
the captain having also subscribed — the Company were ac-
cepted 14*^ May 1816 —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HORATIO G. HALE
[9:94]
Sharon 27. April 1816
Sir —
Your favour of the 24*^ instant with the association therein
enclosed is received — The number of associates is really too
228
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
small to be led to a choice of officers — & of course to be
organized at present as a company — As you are confident that
the late company of state troops under your command (of
whom the present applicants are a part) are disposed to enter the
Rifle corps — if you as their captain will volunteer, you may
proceed to enrol them as Riflemen on their application When
thus enrolled they shall be considered as a company of Riflemen
and their ranks may be filled (if not already complete) by enlist-
ments from the militia on the terms & conditions mentioned in
my last — And to answer your inquiry those who did enlist
will be held liable from the date of their enlistment & of course
not subject to do duty elsewhere — Should you wish to retire
from command after having accomplished this service you
shall be permitted to do so, & the company will then be led
to a choice of your successor & other officers — If you de-
cline the service, the association must be more numerous be-
fore it can be accepted —
I am respectfully Sir your ob^ ser^
Capt. H. G. Hale —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Hale — 27. April 1816 —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ABEL HALL
[9:95]
State of Connecticut
To Col. Abel Hall — Greeting —
The application which you have forwarded to me, from a
respectable number of individuals in the towns of Hunting-
ton, Trumbull, Newtown and Weston requesting to be formed
into a company of Riflemen, is received — Viewing the peculiar
situation of the applicants I consider it equally an accommoda-
tion to them and to the public to grant their request — I do
therefore hereby signify my acceptance of their association —
You will accordingly be pleased to cause due notice to be given
the applicants to meet at such time as you shall appoint near the
dwelling house of Samuel B. Owens in Huntington their future
place of parade, and when so met to lead them to the choice of
one captain, one Lieutenant and one ensign together with the
229
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
legal number of non commissioned officers — and make return
of this order with the choice of the commissioned officers there-
on endorsed to the Captain General for the time being at Hart-
ford in such season as that the same may be laid before the Hon-
ourable General Assembly during their approaching session —
Given under my hand the 27^^ day of April
AD 1816 — J, C. S. — Capt Geffi
[Endorsed] To Coh Hall —
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :96]
Hartford 30*^ April 1816
my dear sir
I have now the pleasure to inclose the report of the board
of officers for forming regiments in the first brigade, which com-
pletes the organization of the Infantry into regiments
The reports from the other brigades, I presume have reached
your excellency before this time I shall leave town
this afternoon
I am with much esteem
respectfully & sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency
Governor Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon
[Endorsed] Adj^ Geffi 30. April Rec^ 3. May 1816
HORATIO G. HALE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:97]
Hartford May 1®‘ 1816
Sir
Your of [left blank] was duly received. My name would have
appeared among those of the associates, without any conditions,
were it not for the expenses incident to Military Offices. As the
230
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
interest of the associates appears to require it, I now volunteer
with cheerfulness & doubt not of ultimate success in filling the
Ranks.
I remain Your Ex^® Obed‘ Serv^
His Ex^ John Cotton Smith esq Horatio G. Hale
Sharon
[Endorsed] Capt. H. G. Hale’s Subscription —
GEORGE HOADLY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :98]
New Haven May 3. 1816
His Excellency
John C. Smith Esqr
Sir
I have reed your Excellencys favor of the 27^^ ult.
The association of the 4^^ Troop I hope to obtain on Monday
next, so as to be able to forward it to you at Hartford at the
commencement of the session.
At the request of several officers of the regiment I beg leave to
suggest to your Excellency some considerations relative to the
numbering of the new regiments & companies. It is their wish
to retain their present rank both in regard to companies &
regiments or at least as high a rank. As the two regiments of
Horse Artillery are chiefly from the 2^ & 3^ regiments of
Cavalry, the 2^ regiment of Cavalry is particularly solicitous
to be organized as the 1®^ regiment of Horse Artillery, conceiv-
ing it not presumptuous to ask for the same relative rank which
it now possesses. As I know you can have no other wish than to
do perfect justice to all concerned, I shall be satisfied with any
arrangement & shall endeavor to reconcile the officers & men to
any measures which may be necessary to complete the organ-
ization, With the greatest respect I am Your Excelley ob^ sert
Geo. Hoadly
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Esqr Sharon
[Endorsed] Col. Hoadly — May 3. 1816
231
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY TO
JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:99]
Middletown May 8^^ 1816
Sir
owing to the absence of Capt Trowbridge, Your Excellencys
letter of the 9^^ of March, was not reed by him till yesterday.
He has requested me to write to Your Excels on the Subject men-
tioned in that Letter. I answered your Letter of the 27^^ of Feb’'
& gave my reasons for thinking it inexpedient to establish another
Rifle Company in this Town — circumstances which have oc-
curred since confirm me in that opinion. The Company of Horse
artillery have fixed on M'' Starr as their first Lieut^ & M'’ S —
will be pleased with the appointment — but he is so situated
that he cannot agree to be elected unless his Petition is negatived.
A number of the Petitioners will join the Horse artillery, if
another Rifle C° is not established. We GenP are all desirous of
knowing ^ Excellencys determination in that subject^ & have
requested me to ask Excellency to inform me what the
determination is — if you should deem it expedient & can find
time, amid the numerous avocations of the season
I am with great respect
Your ExcelP® very Obed Sert
Ch’^ Whittelsey
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Hartford
DAVID DEMING TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9 :100]
Colchester May 1816
Sir
I take the liberty in behalf of the Officers of the Company
of Horse Artillery in this place to request your Excellency to
issue an order authorizing the Comm*^* to lead the Company to
the Choice of officers. The Cap^ & Lieut have been indefatigable
232
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
in their exertions to obtain recruits, the company now consists
of Sixty five men, I am fully of opinion that it would facilitate
enlistments to give them an entire Complement of Officers should
your Excellency think proper to comply with their request it
would be desirable to have the Order forwarded in season to
enable the Officers to obtain Commissions at the present Session
of the Legislature.
I have the honour to be your Excellencies
Ob'*‘ & very Humb^ Servt
David Deming
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Hartford
JONATHAN INGERSOLL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:101]
Newhaven May IT^" 1816
Sir,
Last evening, I had the honour of receiving your letter of the
9^*" instant informing me, that I was elected Lieutenant Gov-
ernour of the state This mark of respect shown by my
fellow citizens is highly gratifying to me; and the more so, as it
was communicated to me in so polite a manner, and with such
undissembled friendship. — I propose to be at Hartford to at-
tend on my duty at the Council board, by monday, or at farthest,
by tuesday, of next week
With the greatest respect,
I have the honour to be, sir,
your Excellency,s most
obedient servant
Jon'^^ Ingersoll
His Excellency
Gov^ Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Hartford
233
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ENOCH FOOTE
[9:102]
Hartford 13. May 1816
Sir
I was truly sorry to learn that the 4^^ regiment of Cavalry
declined the invitation to become Horse- Artillery ; and the more
so as the sea coast within the County of Fairfield must in conse-
quence of it be destitute of a due proportion of Artillery of any
discription — Have the officers & men in that regiment really
understood the Subject? — Are they willing to be reduced to
infantry instead of entering the corps of Horse- Artillery ? or do
they indulge an expectation that they will be allowed to remain
as cavalry ? — I strongly suspect they have been made to be-
lieve the latter — But after their brethren in the interiour of
the state have expressed the utmost willingness to be formed
into artillerists would the Captain General be justified in re-
ducing them to infantry & in allowing the Dragoons on the
coast to continue who have refused the offer ? — They will at
once perceive the injustice of such a proceedure — The utmost
they can expect is to suffer a reduction equally with the other
regiments and in that event their own will be broken up & such
part of it as may remain will be annexed to a regiment in the
interiour & will of course be compelled to travel a great distance
at each regimental muster — but it is very questionable whether
even such an arrangement can be allowed — It is true the corps
of Horse Artillery now wants but one company to make up its
entire complement — and that will probably be raised in a very
few days — The deficiency in the County of Fairfield will be
abundantly made up in the counties of N. Haven & N. London
— To accomplish this however we have been obliged to permit
recruits from the infantry and the consequence must be that
the Cavalry who were expected to constitute the Horse Artillery
will be very much exposed to the fate of becoming infantry —
You will naturally inquire what can now be done to remove
these embarrassments? — I know of but one course — If the
4th regiment or any considerable proportion of it will still con-
sent to enter the Artillery I will endeavour to obtain from the
234
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Legislature now in session authority to receive them — and I
have little doubt it will be granted — The sooner the attempt
is made the better —
I address myself to you sir upon this subject from a knowl-
edge of the deep interest you have uniformly taken in the se-
curity of the coast & in the general prosperity of the militia,
and from a persuasion of your readiness to embrace every op-
portunity of promoting those objects —
I am respectfully D'' Sir your
very ob*^ ser*^
B. Gen^ Foote —
[Endorsed] To Gen‘ Foote — 13. May 1816
ENOCH FOOTE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:103]
Bridgeport 15*^*" May 1816
Dear Sir
Your Excelencys Letter of the 13^^ inst is before me —
when I was first informed of the refusal of the Reg*^ Cavalry
accepting the offer to become horse artillery I was so disapointed
I Came near witering[sic] your Excellency a Letter giving my
opinion what ought to be done with them but on reflection
thought it might be assuming what did not beloning to me there-
fore did not make any Communication — I have long ben aware
that this Reg^ was generally opposed to become Horse artillery
but did think that reason and Justice would prevail over their
unruly wills but in this I was mistaken — I find it will not do
to form an opinion of what will be by what ought to be
but to answer your Excellencys questions I would observe the
offer has ben made to this Regt twice fairly and the Last time
their Situation and every propriety Stated with every incourage-
ment that Could be offered — they ware told if they did not ac-
cept it was provibel[sic] they would be reduced — yet all this did
not prevail — they flatered them Selves that if they did nothing
they Should remain as they ware and when they ware told to
the Contrary they Sayed Coll Hall ownely wished to frighten
them into it Severil observed if they ware disbanded
235
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
their would be Horse artillery raised and they should have to
enlist a new They have an Idea if they hold Stil they
Shall remain entire and when are told the Contrary they think
is a thret — I was not able to attend their Last meeting but I
adresed at Letter to the Reg^ Stating the whole matter in as
favorable terms as was capable and I am told Coll Hall did his
duty Likewise — I have briefly Stated to your Excellency the
fealings of the Reg^ and what has ben done to obtain their
Consent to become Horse artilery now if any thing furthar
Can be done that is within my power it Shall be done at your
Excellencys request with pleasure — will your Excellency in-
dulge me So far as to give my opinion what Course ought to be
taken in the proseeding with the Reg^ to Call them
togeather again to get their minds (and I no of no other way
it can be done) would in my opinion be useless and would inflict
a burthem on the inosent — for I am Sattisfied twenty men
Cannot be got to Volunteer as Long as they have the Lest hope
of remaing as they are — The Situation they are now in Sutes
them — and they have an Idea that to have a field peace attached
to them will be a Burthern — but if the Reg^ ware disbanded I
have no doubt but a Large and fine Company of Horse artillery
Could be raised by enlistment every man from this Reg*^ in ten
hours — and this is Clearly the mode that ought to be adopted
— it would at first make Some grumbling and So will any thing
els but as Long as it is Just and the best for the Publick good
— no one ought to be disatisfied and if they was it would be
but a few and would remain but a Short time
to be sure Sir Since I have ben honored with a Command in the
Militia have felt at a duty to give it all the Support in my power
to the best interest of the State and altho I feal as if I had Spent
both time and treasure as much as I ought in this way — yet as
the Militia is in Such a Confuzed State owing to the new organ-
izeation of them I have made up my mind to not hand in my
resignation at this Session and if your Excellency has any further
Commands it will be attended to in time
I have ben informed by Some gentlemen in the Town of
Huntington that a new Company of Rifle men raised in that
236
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
town and that they have enlisted allmost every man that does
duty in the limits of two Comp[anies] and if they are asstab-
lished it will destroy booth th[e] Militia Companys — the Cap‘
I understand is one Edwards I barely mention this that your
Excellency may enquire into it if it is proper the artil-
lery both Light and Horse I Consider the best troops in the
State — I Should be Proud to Command them
I am Respectfully your Excellencys
obed*^ Humble Ser^
Enoch Foote
His Excellencys
John Cotton Smith Esq^
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq'’
Hartford
GEORGE HOADLY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:104]
New Haven May 16. 1816
His Excellency
J C Smith Esqr
Sir
In reply to your Excellencys favor of the 14th
inst I beg leave to observe that there has been yet no material
addition to Captain Cooks Company. A considerable number of
young men are ready to enlist as soon as their probable uniform
can be ascertained. It has been supposed by many of them that
as soon as the regiments & Brigade of Artillery were organized
there would be a change of Uniform & the candidates for enlist-
ment are unwilling to incur the expense of two uniforms this
season I would respectfully suggest whether there ought to be
any addition to the company officers until suitable additions are
made by enlistment to the number of privates. If the additional
officers are not appointed until the companies are recruited, it
will add much to the facility of enlisting ambitious young men,
With very great respect I am Sir
Your Excellencys most obt serv*^
Geo. Hoadly
237
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esqr Hartford
[Endorsed] Col. Hoadly — 16. May 1816 Answ** 20^^ & order
enclosed to Capt. B. Cook to lead to a choice of Capt. —
GEORGE W. GORDON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:105]
John C. Smith Esq'^ Cap^ General & commander
in Chief of the Militia in the State of Connecticut
Sir at the session of the General Assembly at Newhaven in
the month of October 1815 the petition of Sampson Bennet and
Gideon Perkins Sergeants in the 6^^ Company 2P* Reg^ was
sent to you accompanied by my certificat that the facts therein
stated were true and requesting your Excellency (if consistant)
to discharge the aforesaid Sergeants from further Military duty
Maj'' John Douglas by whom it was sent forgot to call on you
to get the discharges or if they could not be discharged an
answer from you. I have one thing further to state which was not
stated in their petition as it has since occurd in s^ Company on
the 6*^ of May Instant the Cap* and Lieut* of s*^ Company having
removed into the State of New York the Company was led to
a choice of officers the youngest sergeant was appointed Captain
and a Corporal appointed Lieutenant this is the fourth time
they have been superseeded they are respectable men and have
alway performed their duty faithfully and I do recommend
them to the Captain General for to be discharged from any
further Military duty (the Brigadier General not being em-
powered to do the same by General Orders.) I am Sir with re-
spect your Obedient Serv*
George W Gordon Lieut* Colo^ 21®* Reg*
Plainfield May 16**" 1816
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Esq^ at Hart-
ford
[Endorsed] Col. Gordon requesting the discharge of two Ser-
geants — Wrote him 30**^ May that the subject was referred
to the Adj* Gen* to do what may be just & proper
238
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
PETITION FROM SOMERS
[9:106]
To John Cotton Smith Esqr. Govenor & Commander in Chief,
■in & over the State of Connecticut, the undersigned would
humbly represent — that the board of General officers, when
convened at Farmington adjudged it proper to annex Enfield,
in Hartford County, to the Brigade to be formed on the East
side of Connecticut River, —
That the Regiment to be formed of Somers, Ellington, Ver-
non, Tolland, Stafford & Union as designated by the board of
Regimental officers, when convened at Ashford; will, be in
point of numbers, one of the smallest Regiments in the State —
That in consequence of Enfield having been annexed to the
Brigade to be formed on the West side of the River, the Regi-
ment contemplated as above, is greatly diminised in point of
numbers, & its centre carried into the mountainous country —
The River is a natural boundery & we humbly conceive, that
it ought to be a division line as it respects Militia Brigades &
Regiments
We humbly conceive that the board of General Officers had
a correct Idea of the situation of the Country & correctly judged
of the propriety of annexing Enfield to the Brigade to be formed
East of the River —
The undersigned would humbly represent that, if Enfield, &
Scantick Parish in East-Windsor were annexed to the Regiment,
•designed as aforesaid, — the Regiment would be nearly square
in point of Territory, would be respectable for its numbers &
Eligible for its central situations for Military or Regimental
purposes,
For the above reazons, & others which will naturally suggest
themselves to your Excellency, we humbly conceive, that your
Excellency will deem it proper & just, that Enfield be reannexed
to the 5^^ Brigade and that Union be annexed to the Regiment
East of the one to which it is now annexed
That your Excellency would annex Enfield, and Scantick
Parish in East Windsor to the Regiment to be formed of the
Towns as aforesaid, in the 5^^ Brigade, or otherwise grant relief
239
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
by annexing Enfield to said Brigade as in Dutybound, the
undersigned will ever pray. Dated Somers May 1816
Amariah Kibbe Jr Lt. Colo, Regiment
Theodore Pease Adjutant Reg^
Jonathan Johnson Jr, Capt. 7*-^ Comp^ 22^ Reg^ — Staff-
ord
H A, Hamilton — Surgeon of the 31®*^ Regim*
Apollos Spelman Lieu^ 7‘^ Comp^ 22^ Reg* Stafford
Joseph Johnson Ens° 7**^ Comp^ 22“*^ Reg* Stafford
Luke Kibbe Capt 5 Comp 3P* Regt Somers
John Phelps Lieut. 5*^ Comp 31 Reg* Somers
Oliver Collins Cap* 3 Com^ 31 Reg* Somers
Jabez Collins Major 31*^ Regm* Enfield
Eliphalet Collins Cap* P* L* C° Reg* Enfield
Jonah Griswold Jr Cap* 2 Com^ 31 Regm* Enfield
Calvin Hull En® 5 Comp^ 31 Reg* Somers
Persons Henry Ens 2 Comp 31 Regmt Enfield
Alfred Davis Cap* 4 Comp^ 31 Regmt Enfield
JosiAH Kimball Ens° 5 Compan 19 Reg* Ellington
Clark Foster Cap* 5 Company 19 Reg* Ellington
Francis McLean Lieut Co' 19*** Regiment Vernon
Lieut Horatio Kibbe 3^ Company of 31**' Regmt
[Endorsed] Petition from Somers &c —
HORATIO G. HALE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:107]
Hartford May 24*^" 1816
Sir
Returns were made to me on the 6*^" Instant, of the Enlistment
of Fort-^ into the Rifle Company under my command.
I wish to be discharged from this command as soon as circum-
stances will permit, & the company are generally anxious to be
led to a choice of Officers before the rising of the present session
of the Legislature, should your Excellency think it adviseable.
Your Obed*' ser*
Horatio G. Hale
To his Excellency J. C Smith
240
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Hartford
[Endorsed] Capt. Hale’s Resignation accepted order issued
May 1816 —
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY
TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:108]
Middletown May 27^^ 1816
Sir
M*" Gill one of the Committee for nominating Field
officers for the Artillerists called on me, to advise respecting
appointments in this County. He mentioned that my name was
on the list from which the Col°s were to be selected. If it
should be deem’d expedient to give me a Commission at all, I
should prefer the Corps of Horse Artillery — or if that should
not be consistent with the Claims of others, the Corps of Rifle-
men, would next be prefered. At the same time I shall be per-
fectly well satisfied not be considered at all & to be left free
from Military duty. As I have heretofore been indebted to Your
ExcelR for military promotion, I have take the Liberty to make
the above suggestions to you rathan to others.
It however appears to me that it is expedient to postpone the
appointment of Field Officers at present, as two out of three
of the appointments will be void by a late Law of U. States ■ —
it requires, that evry Reg* composed of two Batt"® should have
a Colonel, a Lieut Co°l° & one Major. & evry Regt composed
of one Batt° to be commanded by a Major — saving Commis-
sions granted previous to the first day of May — of course
before valid Commissions can be granted a Law must be passed
giving Field officers to the various Regts according to the Law
of Congress' — —
I am with great
respect Your ExcelLs
most Obed* Sert
Ch'^ Whittelsey
241
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Hartford
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:109]
State of Connecticut
General Orders
May 27. 1816
A General Court martial of which L* Col. Commandant Martin
Kellogg Jr. is President was held at Glastenbury on the 21®^
instant by order of the Brigadier General of the seventh Brigade
for the trial of Captain Samuel Crowel of the first company in
the regiment of Infantry charged P® with neglect of duty
2"^ with contempt to a superiour officer and thirdly with dis-
obedience of orders — The arrested officer was fully heard in
his defence — The court on due consideration acquitted him of
the third charge but pronounced him guilty of the first & second
charges & thereupon Sentenced him to be publicly reprimanded
in such manner as the Capt. Gen^ shall direct —
The Captain General having examined and maturely con-
sidered the whole record approves the Sentence of the court,
and to carry the same into effect directs that the Brigadier
General of the Seventh Brigade do publicly reprimand the Said
Captain Samuel Crowel in Brigade orders for the “neglect
of duty” & “contempt to a Superiour officer” of which he stands
convicted as aforesaid & that he report the execution of this
order to the office of the Adjutant General
The General Court martial whereof Col. Kellogg is
President is hereby dissolved —
[Endorsed] General orders approving sentence of Gen^ Court
Martial 7*^ Brigade — Capt. S. Crowell — 27. May 1816 —
GENERAL ORDERS
[9:110]
State of Connecticut May 27*^ 1816
General Orders
A General Court Martial of which Lieut Col.
242
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Comm^ Martin Kellogg Jur. was President was holden in
Glastenbury on the 21®’^ Inst, by order of the Brigadier General
of the seventh Brigade for the trial of Captain Samuel Crowell
of the Co. in the 24^^ Reg^ of Infantry, charged “with
neglect of duty” 2^^ “with contempt to a Superior Officer” 3^^
with disobedience of orders
The arrested officer was fully heard in his defence. The Court
on due consideration acquited him of the 3*^ charge, but pro-
nounced him guilty of the & 2°^ charges, & thereupon sen-
tenced him “to be publicly reprimanded in such manner as the
Captain General shall direct”
The Captain General having examined & maturely consid-
ered the whole record approved the sentence, and to carry the
same into effect, directs that the Brig^ General of the seventh
Brigade do publicly reprimand the said Capt Samuel Crowell
in Brigade Orders for “Contempt to a superior Officer, and
for neglect of duty” which order of his Excellency is
executed in the following manner Viz
Brigade Orders — Seventh Brigade Militia
You Samuel Crowell should remember, that contemptuous
treatment to our associates in life, is base, and beneath the char-
acter of a Gentleman, & that the offence is greatly aggravated,
when extended to our Superiours in Military command
Its tendency being to destroy that subordination, without which,
our Militia would be but weak and inefficient
Neglect of duty is a crime of greater magnitude, for circum-
stances may be such, (should your example be imitated) as
to endanger the safety of our Country Confidence has been
reposed in you by the State Authorities The course which
you pursued through the Season of 1815 clearly evinces that
this confidence was misplaced The rights, the liberties,
and the institutions of this State are dear to its Inhabitants :
and the officer to whom their protection is confided, who mani-
fests a spirit of indifference & abuses the trust thus reposed in
him, materially injures that cause, which it is his absolute duty
to support It is however presumed, that your conduct was
the effect of a perverted judgement; therefore the Court have
243
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
thought proper to inflict upon you the mildest punishment which
the law allows, and have still reserved to you the character of an
officer
It is confidently expected that these gentle censures will re-
claim you from error, to honourable conduct, and to the paths
of duty
By order of Brigadier General Lusk
George Plummer
Brigade Major & Inspector
7^^ Brigade
July 4'^ 1816
Publicity has been given to the foregoing General & Brigade
Orders, by transmitting attested copies to the Commandants of
the several Regts composing said Brigade
Geo Plummer Brig: Maj. & Insp*"
[Superscribed] Ebenezer Huntington Esquire Adjt. Gen*
Conn^ Sharon Glastenbury July 30**^
PETITION FROM 4TH COMPANY
[9:111]
To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Captain General
& Governor of the State of Connecticut:
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of
Canton, within the limits of the 4‘*^ Company & 18*^*^ Reg*^ of
Connecticut Militia Humbly Sheweth
That your petitioners have been informed that in the new
Organization of the Militia of this State, the towns of Enfield,
Suffield, Granby, Simsbury & Canton (with certain small ex-
ceptions) compose a Regiment: That the distance from the
North East part of Enfield to the South-west part of Canton,
is very great, not less, we believe, as the roads are laid than
thirty-five miles: That the place for Regiment at parade will
probably be at or near Turkey Hills, a distance of about fourteen
Miles from this place, in a North-Easterly direction, & over
rough & mountanious roads
That your Petitioners understand that in the original plan
for the location of the Reg^® Submited to your Excellency, by
244
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the Adjutant General, the town of Canton, or Some part of it
was annexed to the Reg^ composed of the towns of Farmington,
Southington, Berlin, Bristol & Burlington ; & that this arrange-
ment was altered at the instance, & in consequence of the urgent
request of the Com,d'’ of the 18^^ Reg^
That in the opinion of your petitioners it would be Consistent
with the general good of the Militia & greatly beneficial to the
Inhabitants residing within the present limits of the 4^^ Com-
pany in said 18*^^ Reg‘ to be annexed to the Reg^ composed of
the towns of Farmington &c, in which case the center of s*^
Reg^ would be at or near Farmington Meeting-House; making
the aurage[sic] travel for the inhabitants in the present limits
of s*^ 4^^ Compy, for Regimental Review, about ten Miles;
& that the roads from this place to Farmington are level &
very good
Praying your Excellency to take the case of the Petitioners
into your wise consideration & to grant such relief as to your
Excellency may appear just & reasonable — And your Peti-
tioners as in duty bound will ever pray
Dated at Canton May 27^^ AD 1816
Ralph Dyer
Calvin Case
Norman Dyer
Norman Mills
No ADI AH Case
Zenas Dyer
Luke Case
Norman Case
Watson Case
Abel Case
Silas Case
Ira Case
Charles Humphry
Bera Case
Levi Case
Thaddeus Moses
Guy Forbes
CoRREL Humphrey
Roberts
Stanly Olmsted
Edward Case
Isaac Mills
Samuel Dickinson
William Everitt
Luther Higley
Harvey Case
Eben Humphry
Truman Pettibone
Asher Humphreys
Joseph Dyer
Fre° Humphreys
Decius Humphreys
Theodore Pettibone
Thomas Bidwell
245
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Rufus Tuller
Titus Case
Lyman Case
Fithen Case
Frederick Humphrey
Cyrus H
Asa Case
Alexander Wilcox
Eli Mather
[Endorsed] Petition of the
Comp’^ 18^*^ Reg*
Solomon Everest
William Stone
Jared Mills Ju^
Joseph Dailey
Abraham Hanford
Obed Higley
Elisha Case
Barnabas Freeman
labitants in the limits of the 4**^
ISAAC D. BULL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[9:112]
Hartford June P* 1816
Sir
Having completed my twenty fourth year of military
duty in the Company which I have now the honour to command,
and believing it to be reasonable as respects myself, and proper
in regard to others that said command should be transfered to
another, I have to request your Excellency will be pleased to
accept my resignation thereof
With great respect I remain
Your Excelle® Most Hble Serv*
IssAc D. Bull
Major Commd* first C° Gov® foot Gds
His Excellency John C. Smith Esquire
CapU Gen*
[Superscribed] His ExceF John C. Smith Esquire Sharon
Con*
[Endorsed] Major Isaac D. Bull’s Resignation — Rec^ & ac-
cepted 8**^ June 1816 — order issued same day — discharged
'‘when his successor shall he chosen & commissioned
246
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
INSTRUCTIONS TO
ADJUTANT GENERAL HUNTINGTON
[9:113]
To Ehenezer Huntington Esquire Adjutant General
of the State of Connecticut — Greeting
The proposed fifth brigade of Militia will contain the follow-
ing regiments comprizing the towns and parishes assigned to
them respectively — towit — The 5 Reg‘ includes the towns of
Windham, Hampton, Canterbury, Brooklyn, Plainfield, Sterling
& the South society of Killingly The reg^ includes
the towns of Pomfret, Woodstock, Union, Thompson, & Kill-
ingly excepting the south society
The 19^^ reg^ includes the towns of Tolland, Enfield, Somers,
Stafford Ellington & Vernon
The 23^ reg‘ includes the towns of Ashford, Mansfield, Willing-
ton, Coventry, Columbia & Bolton
You are requested as soon as may be to form the foregoing
regiments into the number of companies required by law —
that is to say each regiment into two battalions of five companies
each including one company of grenadiers or light Infantry if
such there are — but if more than two enlisted companies of
infantry shall be found within the limits of any regiment they
may be retained, if they desire it, as flank companies agreeably
to a late resolution of the legislature, without diminishing the
number of battalion companies — You will take care to allow
each town at least one company of infantry whether it contains
a complement of men or not — and you will extend the same in-
dulgence also in every practicable case to each located Society;
making consolidations of companies where necessary in such
societies as may already have more than one company within
their limits — If there are more located Societies within the
bounds of a regiment than the number of companies allowed by
law, you may unite two societies for the purpose of forming a
company, but in such cases let the meetings for ordinary military
duty be alternate, so as in no instance to break up entirely the
only place of parade in any located Society —
In assigning new limits to companies (which should be done
247
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
in as few cases as possible) you will consult not only the officers
thereof but the principal inhabitants also within the proposed
limits of the company relative to its bounderies — which should
be accurately defined for record — The battalion companies are
to be numbered according to their seniority, & the flank
companies posted by the same rule — Where companies are
consolidated you will observe that the whole number of non-
commissioned officers are to be retained & do duty as such
agreeably to the late resolution of the Geffi Assembly You
will direct the Commandants of the present regiments within
the proposed limits to obtain from the field & commissioned
officers & furnish you with their election whether to remain in
service or to retire from it conformably to the terms of the
resolution just mentioned — and you will assign the field &
commissioned officers to the regiments & companies accordingly,
allowing the Commandants of the respective regiments to select
their staff from those now in service — You will feel the im-
portance of exercising great caution & prudence in the dis-
charge of this delicate as well as difficult undertaking & will
report your proceedings at as early a day as may be convenient
Dated at Hartford the day of May 1816
J. C. S. Cap^ Geffi
To Major General Ehenezer Huntington Adjutant General
of the State of Connecticut — Greeting —
The proposed third brigade of militia will contain the following
regiments comprizing the towns & societies assigned to them
respectively — towit — Third Regiment, New London, Lyme,
Montville, Waterford, Millington society in East Haddam, and
the society of New-Salem in Colchester — Eighth regiment,
Groton, Stonington North Stonington and Voluntown — Eight-
eenth regiment, Norwich, Bozrah, Franklin, Griswold, Lisbon,
Lebanon and Preston — twentieth regiment, Chatham, Col-
chester excepting the society of New Salem, East Haddam ex-
cepting the society of Millington, Hebron, Marlborough, and
that part of Haddam which lies on the east side of Connecticut
river — You are requested to form the foregoing regiments into
the number of companies required by law, and to complete as
248
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
far as possible the entire organization of the brigade. In the
discharge of this duty you will conform in all respects to the
instructions you received from me under date of the 30^^ ultimo
relative to the formation of companies in the proposed fifth
brigade, and will report your proceedings herein at as early a
day as may be convenient —
Dated at Sharon the 6^^ day of June 1816 —
J. C. Smith Capt. Gen^
The Same order (verbatim) dated 8*^ June 1816 to the Ad-
jutant General to form the 2“*^ brigade — towit — Second regi-
ment, New Haven, Milford, Derby, East Haven, the society
of Amity in Woodbridge and Oxford (and the Society of East
Plains in Hamden) — Seventh regiment — Durham, Killing-
worth, Saybrook, and Haddam excepting that part of it which
lies on the east side of Connecticut river — T enth regiment,
Branford, Guilford, North Haven and Wallingford — Twenty
Second regiment, (Oxford), Waterbury, Wolcott, Cheshire,
Meriden, Hamden & the Society of Bethany in Woodbridge
(and the Society of Mount Carmel in Hamden) —
[Endorsed] Instructions to the Adj* General to form companies
in Brigade 3*^ brigade and 2°*^ brigade —
JOHN COTTON SMITH
TO CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY
[9:114]
Sharon 6. June 1816 —
Sir —
A few days before my departure from Hartford I received
an application from the 10^^ comp. regiment Jeremiah K.
Post captain to be formed into a company of Riflemen — It is
the west company in the Society of Pettipauge, and from the best
information I can obtain particularly from Col. Geo. W. Jewett
there must be a reduction of one of the companies in that society
— He advises that the application be granted — especially as
the other company will be sufficiently large & inasmuch too as
the association from Chester could not be accepted — This is
249
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
small, 35 in number only but I understand recruits maybe ob-
tained in the vicinity to make it respectable without injury to
other companies — Will you have the goodness to inquire into
the circumstances & favour me with you opinion thereon ? —
I cannot receive them as a company already furnished with
officers which the law allows me to do only in the case of state-
troops. If I accept the association there will be a new choice &
the present officers must of course run their chance of being
reelected —
I subjoin for your information a list of the Rifle companies
already accepted — Many applications from the militia infantry
have been rejected (probably enough to have filled the corps)
on grounds equally solid with those which existed in the case
from Staddle-Hill in your vicinity — You will perceive that
many companies still remain of the state troops — They are the
materials we want, & I both hope & expect that under your
auspices we shall yet obtain them — I sincerely rejoice that the
Legislature have furnished me with so able a coadjutor & you
will accordingly excuse me if I avail myself of the privilege
to its full extent —
The Uniform of the Rifle-corps will be that of the infantry
of the late state troops. If you wish your own to be varied in
any particular you shall be gratified —
As soon as you have satisfied yourself as to the form &
dimensions of the Rifle, be pleased to favour me with your
opinion upon that subject —
I am D*' Sir very sincerely your
friend & ob^ Ser*^ —
Geffi Whittelsey —
[Endorsed] Genl. C. Whittelsey 6. June 1816 —
JOHN COTTON SMITH
TO CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY
[9:115]
Sharon 8. June 1816 —
Sir —
Since writing you on the 6*^ inst. the captain & lieutenant
250
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
of the Rifle company at Litchfield have presented me the urgent
request of their men for a small variation in the uniform of that
corps — towit —
1. The coat of the late state troops with green collar, cuffs, &
button holes instead of red & shirts turned up with green —
instead of white —
2. Pantaloons trimmed with green instead of red —
3. A Green cord & tape to the cap instead of white
4. Boottees in stead of gaiters —
I have informed these gentlemen that altho’ no Gen^ order has
issued on the subject of a uniform — still that there seems to
have been a general desire manifested by the late State troops
who have become riflemen to retain their uniform & that I have
encouraged them in the belief that no material alteration would
take place — That I should therefore be averse to any consid-
erable change without first ascertaining the wishes of the corps
in that respect —
Green I believe has been deemed an appropriate colour for
Rifleman — and if the modification proposed which would not
be very expensive should meet their approbation generally I
can have no objection to it Can you without much incon-
venience sound the feelings of the corps upon this point &
favour me with the result? — When you forward your opinion
respecting the length & bore of the rifle, be pleased to state what
you deem the other necessary equipment? — Do you prefer the
powderhom to the flask — or is the law so explicit in the case
as to leave us no election — *
*must not instructions be given relative to the exercise &
evolution of the corps ? You see I am giving you much trouble —
The non commissioned officers I find are somewhat disap-
pointed that they can receive no warrants until the Colonels are
designated —
But I know not how the evil is to be remedied —
I am
Gen^ Whittelsey
251
INDEX
Abernathy, Lieut. Col. Russell C.,
mentioned, 141
Adams, Elijah, petition signed by,
125
Adams, Thomas, application signed
by, 192
[Allen, Lieut. Elisha], mentioned,
138
Allis, Isaac, application signed by,
155
Allyn, Alexander, petition signed
by, 126
America, 138
Amity Society, Woodbridge, 249
Ammunition, at Fort Union, 15
Andover, 190
Andover Society, Hebron, 207
Application, 192
Application to form Rifle Com-
pany, 154
Appointment, request for, 97
Appointments, 132, 157, 241
Appointments, in Rifle Corps, 232
Arms, available from United States,
8, 9
Arms and Accoutrements, 251
Arnold, David, application signed
by, 193
Arnold, John, application signed by,
193
Artillep^ Company, difficulty in
forming at Killingworth, 152
Ashford, 169, 185, 190, 197, 207,
239 247
Ashford, Clark’s Inn, 169
Atwell, George, application signed
by, 155 ^ ^
Atwell, W[illia]m, application
signed by, 155
Austin, Ens. Robert H., reprimand-
ed and pardoned, 65
Averill, Daniel, petition signed by,
126
Averill, Jabez, petition signed by,
126
Badger, Capt., mentioned, 108
Bailey, Morriss, petition signed by,
118 ^
Baldwin, Lieut. Col. Benjamin,
mentioned, 142
Baldwin, Chauncey, mentioned, 114
Barber, Lieut. Col. Calvin, letter
to, 21
Barkhamsted, 209
Barkhamsted, letter dated at, 24
Barnes, Mr., mentioned, 182
Barnes, Almerin, petition signed
by, 55
Barnes, Jonathan, petition signed
by, 118
Barnes, Jonathan, Jr., appointed
Judge Advocate, 132, 158
Barnes, [Jonathan,] Jr., mentioned,
167
Barnes, Thomas P., mentioned, 114
Barnes, Willard, mentioned, 114
Bartlett, Samuel, petition signed
by, 118
Bassett, Abijah, mentioned, 114
Baxter, Mr., mentioned, 179
Beach, Lieut. Horace, copies of let-
ters by, 6, 7
Beach, Lieut. Horace, endorses re-
quest of Joel Mattoon, 27
Beach, Lieut. Horace, letter by, 5,
25
Beach, Lieut. Horace, mentioned,
26
Beardslee, Corp. Charles, applica-
tion signed by, 154
Beardslee, Lem[uell], application
signed by, 155
Beckley, Samuel, petition signed
by, 118
Beebe, Capt. William, court mar-
tialed, 64
Beebe, Capt. William, mentioned,
72
Beebe, Capt. W[illia]m, suspended,
65
Beers, Sergt. Ephraim B., men-
tioned, 15
Belcher, Lieut. Col. William, letter
by, 98
Belcher, Lieut. Col. William, men-
tioned, 57, 58, 141
Belden, Henry, recommendation
signed by, 14
Belden, Thomas, recommendation
of, 14
Belden, Lieut. Col. William, men-
tioned, 142
Benedict, Noah B., recommendation
by, 136
Bennett, (Bennet) Charles G., pe-
tition signed by, 125
253
INDEX
Bennett, Sergt. Sampson, letter by,
123
Bennett, Sergt. Sampson, men-
tioned, 124, 238
Bennett, Wilson, petition signed by,
56
Benton, Isaac, Quartermaster, find-
ings of court martial upon, 48
Benton, Isaac, Quartermaster, rep-
rimanded, 48
Berlin, 32, 245
Bethany, 249
Bethlehem, 209
Bidwell, George, petition signed by,
118
Bidwell, Thomas, petition signed
by, 245
Birge, Dudley, mentioned, 62
Bishop, Capt. Joseph A., mentioned,
104
Bishop, Capt. [Timothy], mention-
ed, 35
Bissell, Clark, appointed Judge Ad-
vocate, 132, 157
Bissell, Clark, recommendation
signed by, 14
Black Rock, 15
Blackman, Curtiss L., application
signed by, 155
Blackman, Daniel, application
signed by, 155
Blackman, Isaac B., application
signed by, 154
Bliss, Ens. Asahel, letter signed by,
23
Boardman, Capt. E[lijah], letter by,
87
Bolton, 169, 190, 247
Boner, William, application signed
by, 193
[Booth, Ens. Walter D.], men-
tioned, 138
Bowers, Julius, petition signed by,
118
Bozrah, 200, 248
Bradley, [Mr.], mentioned, 105
Bradley, Lieut. Benjamin, petition
signed by, 25
Bradley, Benjamin A., petition
signed by, 118
Bradley, Horace, mentioned, 113,
114
Bradley, Maj. Luther, letter by, 48
Bradley, Maj. Luther, letter to, 52,
53
Bradley, Maj. Luther, mentioned,
34, 35
Bradley, Richard, petition signed
by, 125
Bradley, Sergt. Samuel, Jr., appli-
cation signed by, 154
Brainerd (Brainard), Ansel, peti-
tion signed by, 61
Brainerd, Ansel, Jr., petition signed
by, 38
Brainerd, Lieut. Col. Ezra, men-
tioned, 57
Brainerd, Heman, petition signed
by, 61
Brainerd, Lieut. Col. John, 2nd, let-
ter to, 62, 68
Brainerd, Lieut. Col. John, 2nd,
mentioned, 37, 40, 41, 53, 59, 60,
61, 67, 68, 141, 153
Brainerd, Lieut. Col. John, 2nd,
petition signed by, 62
Brainerd, Roswell, petition signed
by, 61
Brainerd, Roswell, 2nd, petition
signed by, 38
Brainerd, Timo[thy], petition
signed by, 61
Branford, 134, 161, 162, 203, 249
Branford, letter dated at, 161
Braun, Amasa, Jr., mentioned, 62
Braun, Darius, mentioned, 62
Bray, Capt. Amaziah, letter by, 13,
39, 59, 151
Bray, Capt. Amaziah, letter to, 67,
68, 147
Bray, Capt. Amaziah, mentioned,
63, 68, 103
Bray, Capt. Amaziah and others,
petition by, 45
Bray, John E., petition signed by,
46
[Brent, Robert], U.S. Paymaster
General, mentioned, 159
Bridgeport, 22, 57, 104, 188
Bridgeport, letter dated at, 15, 212,
235
Brinsmade (Brinsmaid), Daniel B.,
letter by, 43
Brinsmade, Lieut. Col. Daniel B.,
mentioned, 146
Bristol, 32, 107, 108, 245
Bronson, [Mr.] E., letter by, 128
Brookfield, 206
Brooklyn, 108, 109, 169, 247
Brooks, Silvanus, petition signed
by, 38, 61
254
INDEX
Brooks, Thomas, application signed
by, 192
Brown, Norman B,, petition signed
by, 126
Bryan, John, Jr., petition signed by,
56
Bryan, Richard and others, petition
by, 55
Buck, Major, mentioned, 37
Buckingham, Capt. John, men-
tioned, 130
Buckingham, Samuel, petition
signed by, 56
Buddington, Capt. Walter, men-
tioned, 120
Buell, Capt. [Enos H.], mentioned,
148
Buell, Jedediah, Jr., petition signed
by, 47
Bulkley, Sergt. Joseph, mentioned,
15
Bulkley, Lieut. Col. Joshua, men-
tioned, 142
Bull, Maj., Isaac D., letter by, 246
Bull, Capt. William, letter by, 152
Bull, Capt. William, letter to, 155
Bull, Capt. William, mentioned, 103
Bull, Capt. William C., letter by, 50
Bull, Capt. [William C.], men-
tioned, 79, 120
Burlington, 32, 245
Burlington, [Vt.], 95, 96
Burlington County [Vt.], 95
Burnham, Maj. [Joshua P.], men-
tioned, 180
Burr, Lieut. Col. Gershom, men-
tioned, 15, 141
Burr, Lieut. Oliver, letter by, 170
Burr, Lieut. Oliver, letter to, 177
Burritt (Burit), Lieut. Col. Abram,
mentioned, 146
Burritt, Lieut. Col. Daniel, men-
tioned, 142
Burritt, Philemon, mentioned, 114
Burritt, Stephen, application signed
by, 155
Burritt, Wakeman, application
signed by, 154
Burrows, Daniel, Jr., petition
signed by, 55
Burrows, Gilbert, petition signed
by, 55
Burrows, Silas, petition signed by,
55
Burton, Lieut. Jeremiah, mentioned,
219
Burwell, Calvin, mentioned, 114,
115
Bushnell, Elisha, application signed
by, 193
Bushnell, Sergt. Samuel, 2nd., letter
by, 78
Bushnell, Sergt. Samuel, 2nd, men-
tioned, 79, 83
Butler, Rev. David, letter by, 96
[Butler], Jertullus Dickenson, men-
tioned, 97
Butler, Capt. John, letter by, 137,
144, 171
Butler, Capt. John, letter to, 139,
145, 168, 204
[Butler, Capt. John], mentioned,
180
Canaan, 209
Canaan, North Society, 146
Canada, 94, 96
Cannon, brass, 102, 103, 104, 105,
106, 107, 108
Cannon, iron, 106, 108, 109, 110
Canterbury, 109, 169, 247
Canton, 32, 112, 141, 208, 244, 245
Canton, letter dated at, 86, 112
Canton, petition dated at, 244
Carpenter, Russell, mentioned, 113,
114
Carver, Capt. David B. and others,
petition by, 49, 54
Carver, Capt. D[avid] T. and oth-
ers, remonstrance by, 62
Case, Abel, Jr., petition signed by,
245
Case, Lieut. Abner, letter signed by,
23
Case, Asa, petition signed by, 246
Case, Bera, petition signed by, 245
Case, Calvin, petition signed by, 245
Case, Edward, Jr., petition signed
by, 245
Case, Elisha, petition signed by, 246
Case, Fithen, petition signed by, 246
Case, Harvey, petition signed by,
245
Case, Ira, petition signed by, 245
Case, Levi, petition signed by, 245
Case, Luke, petition signed by, 245
Case, Lyman, petition signed by,
246
Case, Noadiah, petition signed by,
245
255
INDEX
Case, Norman, petition signed by,
245
Case, Ozias, petition signed by, 118
Case, Capt. Philander, letter signed
by, 23
Case, Capt. Philander and others,
letter by, 22
Case, Silas, petition signed by, 245
Case, Ens. Stephen, letter signed
by, 23
Case, Titus, petition signed by, 246
Case, Watson, petition signed by,
245
Catlin, Grove, petition signed by,
125
Catlin’s Inn, Litchfield, 209
Cavalry, see Militia, Cavalry
Certificate, 162
Certificate, request for, 204
Chalker, John, petition signed by,
47
Champion, Henr}’-, mentioned, 119
Chapin, Jonas, petition signed by,
118
Chapin, William, petition signed by,
118
Chapman, Revilo, petition signed
by, 38, 61
Chatham, 141, 191, 192, 198, 200,
216, 248
Cheshire, 203, 249
Chester, 216, 224, 227, 249
Chittenden, Capt. Abraham I., let-
ter by, 134
Chittenden, Capt. Abraham I., let-
ter to, 138
Chittenden, Governor [Martin],
mentioned, 94, 95
Chittenden, Ralph P., petition
signed by, 25
Church, David, petition signed by,
38, 61
Church, James, petition signed by,
38, 61
Church, Samuel, petition signed by,
38, 61
Church, Thomas, Jr., petition
signed by, 38, 61
Circular, 133, 146
Clark (Clarke), Aaron, Jr., peti-
tion signed by, 56
Clark, Alpheus, petition signed by,
56
Clark, Alvin, application signed by,
192
256
Clark, Benjamin, petition signed by,
56
Clark, Dudley, petition signed by,
38, 61
Clark, Ira, petition signed by, 56
Clark, Joel, petition signed by, 118
Clark, Capt. Joel, letter signed by,
23
Clark, L. Tillotson, application
signed by, 192
Clark, Luke, petition signed by, 56
Clark, Nathan, 2nd, petition signed
by, 56
Clark, Capt. N[ehemia]h, acquitted,
53
Clark, Capt. N[ehemia]h, findings
of court martial upon, 53
Clark, Noah, Jr., petition signed by,
38, 61
Clarke, Othe, application signed by,
155
Clark, Selah, petition signed by, 56
Clark, Stephen, petition signed by,
125
Clark, Zerah, application signed by,
193
Clark’s Inn, Ashford, 169
Cleveland, Esq., mentioned, 5, 6
Coast Guards, 58
Coe, Sergt. Parsons, recommended
for commission, 44
Cogers, Nathan, mentioned, 114
Colchester, 142, 200, 211, 248
Colchester, letter dated at, 140, 191,
232
Colchester, New Salem Society,
248
Cole, [Mr.], mentioned, 105
Colebrook, 209
Collins, Capt. Eliphalet, petition
signed by, 240
Collins, Maj. Jabez, petition signed
by, 240 ^
Collins, Lieut. Levi, petition signed
by, 50
Collins, Capt. Oliver, petition
signed by, 240
Colt, Elisha, comptroller, letter by,
149, 178
Colt, Elisha, comptroller, letter to,
83, 158, 179, 180, 183
Colt, Elisha, comptroller, men-
tioned, 84, 122, 167, 168, 187
Cotton, Lieut. William, letter by,
174
INDEX
Cotton, Lieut. William, mentioned,
175
Columbia, 169, 247
Comstock, Lieut. Col. Asa, Jr.,
mentioned, 57, 142
Connecticut, 19, 97, 99, 160, 161
Connecticut, account with United
States, 119
Connecticut, war claims against
United States, 19-20, 149, 150,
151, 160, 183, 187, 188
Connecticut defence, instructions for
securing national aid for, 2, 3
Connecticut General Assembly, see
General Assembly
Connecticut General Assembly, pro-
poses amendments to United
States Constitution, 13
Connecticut River, 39, 94, 128, 187,
194, 200, 203, 239, 248, 249
Cook, Capt. Bilious, mentioned, 188,
237
Cook, Ens. Luther, reprimanded
and pardoned, 65
Cooley, Edward S., petition signed
by, 118
Copeland, Maj. [Asa], mentioned,
148
Cornish, Lieut. James, letter signed
by, 23
Cornish, Ens. W[illia]m, letter
signed by, 23
Cornwall, 209
Council of Safety, minutes of, 17
Court martial, findings of, 4, 48, 53,
64, 65, 70, 73, 74, 75-76, 242
Courtmartial, remarks concerning,
72
Coventry, 1, 169, 190, 247
Covey, Randal, petition signed by,
118
Cowles, Lieut. Col. George, men-
tioned, 141
Cowles, Maj. Gen. Solomon, men-
tioned, 133
Cramer, Richard, Jr., mentioned, 62
[Crawford, William H.], Secretary
of War, mentioned, 97, 168, 183,
187, 188
Crocker, Maj., mentioned, 215
Croft, David, mentioned, 15
Crouch, Amos, petition signed by,
54
Crowel, Capt. Samuel, findings of
court martial upon, 242, 243
Crowel, Capt. Samuel, reprimand-
ed, 242, 243
Crowfoot, Irah, petition signed by,
118
Cruttenden, Leveret, petition signed
by, 25
Curtis (Curtiss), Capt. Bildad, rec-
ommended as Captain in State
Corps, 1
Curtis, Lieut. Gad, letter signed by,
23
Curtis, Nathan, mentioned, 115
Curtis, Sheldon C., mentioned, 114
Cushing, Brig. Gen. Thomas Hum-
phrey, U.S. Army, mentioned,
120, 159, 187, 188
Daggett, [David], mentioned, 88
Dagett, David, letter by, 13
Dagett, David, letter to, 187
Dailey, Giles, mentioned, 114
Dailey, Joseph, petition signed by,
246
Dailey, Lyman, mentioned, 113, 114
Dana, Samuel W., copy of letter to,
9, 10
Dana, Samuel W., letter to, 1
Dana, [Samuel W.], mentioned, 8,
9, 188
Danbury, 107, 206
Danbury, letter dated at, 170
Dangelis, Charles, application
signed by, 193
Daniels, Erastus, petition signed by.
Darby, [Capt] Jedediah, mentioned,
108
Darrow, Capt. Pierce, petition
signed by, 50
Davenport, Mr., mentioned, 2
Davenport, [John, Jr.], mentioned,
187
Davis, Alfred, petition signed by,
118
Davis, Capt. Alfred, petition signed
by, 240
Davis, Simon, Jr., appointed Judge
Advocate, 132
Davis, Thomas P., mentioned, 114
Day, Thomas, Secretary of the
State, bill signed by, 121
Day, Thomas, Secretary of the
State, letter by, 90, 92, 121
[Day, Thomas], Secretary of the
State, mentioned, 146
257
INDEX
Day, Thomas, Secretary of the
State, petition signed by, 125
Deep River, 227
Delaware, 93, 122
[Deming, Maj. David], mentioned,
91
Deming, Lieut. Col. David, letter
by, 140, 191, 232
Deming, Lieut. Col. David, letter
to, 185
Deming, Lieut. Col. David, men-
tioned, 148, 198, 216
Deming, Julius, petition signed by,
125
Denison, Henry, petition signed by,
47
Denison, Zina, petition signed by,
47
Deposition, 101
Derby, 100, 101, 105, 113, 115, 195,
196, 203, 249
Derby, certificate dated at, 113
Derby, letter dated at, 93, 100, 226
Dibble, Asa, application signed by,
192
Dibble, Samuel, petition signed by,
47
Dibble, Lieut. Sterling B., letter
signed by, 23
Dickinson, Arza, application signed
by, 193
Dickinson, Samuel, petition signed
by, 245
Disbandment of Cavalry Company,
196
Discharge, requests for, 26, 27, 34,
35, 36, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48, 51, 66,
78, 79, 91, 98, 123, 124, 126, 162,
163, 170, 172, 174, 184, 193, 214,
238, 240
Discharge, requests for denied, 38
Discharges, 35, 47, 52, 83, 205, 219
Discharges, pending, 164, 174, 177,
199, 200
Doud, Lieut. Benjamin, letter to, 12
Douglas, Maj. John, mentioned, 238
Dowd, Lieut., mentioned, 186, 187
Downey, James S., petition signed
by, 56 ^
Downs, Lucius, application signed
by, 155
Durham, 174, 203, 205, 249
Durham, letter dated at, 137, 144,
162, 163, 171, 172
Dwight, [Theodore], letter to, 99
258
Dyer, Joseph, petition signed by,
245
Dyer, Norman, petition signed by,
245
Dyer, Ralph and others, petition by,
245
Dyer, Ens. Ralph, letter signed by,
24
Dyer, Raymond, mentioned, 114
Dyer, William, mentioned, 114
Dyer, Zenas, petition signed by, 245
Eagle Bank, New Haven, 42
East Guilford, 46
East Haddam, 200, 248
East Haddam, letter dated at, 127
East Haddam, Millington Society,
248
East Hartford, 32
East Haven, 203, 249
East Plains Society, Hamden, 249
East Windsor, 32
East Windsor, Scantic Parish, 239
Eaton, Joseph, appointed Judge Ad-
vocate, 157
Edenton, N.C., 161
Edgecomb, Samuel, petition signed
by, 55
Edgerton, Elisha, letter by, 1
Edwards, Capt., mentioned, 237
Edwards, Ens. William R., applica-
tion signed by, 154
Election sermon, 130
Ellington, 10, 169, 239, 240, 247
Elliot, Lieut., mentioned, 60
Elliot, Clark, petition signed by, 55
Elliot, Ely A., petitioned signed by,
46
Elliot, Lieut. Ely A., mentioned, 63
Enfield, 32, 169, 239, 240, 244, 247
English, Isaac, mentioned, 114
Epping, N. H., letter dated at,
211
Evans, Cadwalader, recommended,
128
Everest, Solomon, petition signed
by, 246
Everitt, William, petition signed
by, 245
Fairfield, 58, 104, 105, 141, 199, 206,
207 220 221
Fairfield County, 132, 157, 234
Farmington, 32, 136, 141, 142, 169,
208, 239, 245
INDEX
Farmington, Lewis’s Inn, 133
Farmington Meeting House, 245
Farrand, Capt. [Nathaniel], men-
tioned, 12, 42, 43, 47
Fenn, Alfred, petition signed by, 56
Fenn, Fowler, petition signed by,
56
Fenn, Lieut. Col. William, men-
tioned, 142
Fenn, W[illia]m P., petition signed
by, 56
Fenwick, Fort, see Fort Fenwick
Filley, Capt. Oliver, letter signed
by, 23
Finances, report on, 42
Fines, 121
Fines, abated, 127
Fines, imposed, 93
Fines, request for abatement, 101
Fines, suspended, 113, 115
Firemen, 181
Fisher, Capt. Laban, mentioned, 106,
107, 109
Fishnets, 121, 125
Fitch, John, mentioned, 114
Fitch, Maj. [John], mentioned, 207
Flint, Rev. Abel, agrees to preach
Election Sermon, 130
Flint, Rev. Abel, letter by, 130
Flying Artillery, see Militia, Fly-
ing Artillery
[Foot] Guards, 143
Foot Guards, 1st Co., 246
Foot Guards, 2nd Co., 34, 48, 52, 53
Foote (Foot), Capt. Arnold, men-
tioned, 120
[Foote, Lieut. Benjamin], men-
tioned, 172
Foote, Brig. Gen. Enoch, letter by,
15, 212, 235
Foote, Brig. Gen. Enoch, letter to,
21, 202, 234
Foote, Brig. Gen. Enoch, men-
tioned, 76, 206, 221
Foote, George A., petition signed
by, 25 _
Foote, Nison, mentioned, 114
Foote, Stephen, petition signed by,
54
Forbes, Guy, petition signed by, 245
Ford, Darius, petition signed by, 56
Ford, James L., application signed
by, 192
Fort Fenwick, 12, 109
Fort Union, 15
Fort Wooster, letters dated at, 5,
6, 7
Foster, Charles, application signed
by, 192
Foster, Capt. Clark, petition signed
by, 240
Franklin, 200, 248
Frederick, King of Prussia, 97
Freeman, Barnabas, petition signed
by, 246
French, Capt. John, mentioned, 102
French, Lieut. Col. William, men-
tioned, 141
French, William J., application
signed by, 155
Frisbie, Hannah H., mentioned, 161
Frisbie, Noah, mentioned, 161
Frisbie, Rebekah, mentioned, 161
Frisbie, William, mentioned, 161
Fuller, Lieut. Asaph, letter signed
by, 24
Fuller, Ezekiel, mentioned, 62
Gates, Capt. Robert, letter by, 226
Gates, Capt. Robert, mentioned, 105,
127
Gelston, David, letter by, 89
Gelston, David, letter to, 89
General Assembly, 1, 2, 11, 33, 34,
53, 63, 77, 85, 111, 125, 130, 149,
150, 151, 205, 222, 230, 238, 248
General Assembly, Act of, regulat-
ing fishnets, 121
General Assembly, resolve of, 18
General Orders, 4, 32, 48, 53, 64,
65, 70, 73, 74, 75, 127, 132, 142,
157, 169, 200, 202, 206, 209, 219,
242
General Orders, concerning dis-
charge of troops, 17
Georgetown, [Va.], letter dated at,
19
Gilbert, Sergt. Ralph, petition
signed by, 50
Gill, Mr., mentioned, 241
Gillet, Philander, mentioned, 114,
115
Gillet, Ralph, petition signed by, 55
Gladwin, Nathan, petition signed
by, 38, 61
Glastonbury, 11, 32, 242, 243
Gleason, Maj. Peter B., mentioned,
73
Goddard, Calvin, letter by, 19, 69
Goddard, Calvin, letter to, 2
259
INDEX
Goddard, Calvin, resignation as As-
sistant, 69
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, accounts by, 57
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, copies of letters by,
5, 6, 7
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, copies of letters to,
6, 7
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, letter by, 76, 179, 180
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, letter to, 11, 16, 18
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, mentioned, 18, 25, 83,
84, 120, 149, 150, 177, 178
Goddard, Maj. Hezekiah, Paymas-
ter General, note to, 84
Godfrey, John, mentioned, 15
Godfrey, Sergt. Reuben, Jr., peti-
tion signed by, 50
[Goodrich, Chauncey], Lieut. Gov-
ernor, death, 92
Goodrich, [Chauncey], Lieut. Gov-
ernor, death mentioned, 99
Goodrich, Chauncey, Lieut. Gov-
ernor, letter by, 11
Goodrich, Elizur, letter by, 92
Goodrich, E[lizur], mentioned, 7
Gordon, Lieut. Col. George W., let-
ter by, 238
[Gordon, Lieut. Col. George W.],
mentioned, 123, 141
Gordon, Lieut. Col. George W., rec-
ommendation signed by, 124
Gorham, Capt. Lewis, mentioned,
219
Goshen, 209
Gould, James, petition signed by,
125
Gould, Orchard, letter by, 161
Gould, Orchard, mentioned, 162
Governor’s Foot Guards, see Foot
Guards
Governor’s Horse Guards, see
Horse Guards
Gracie, William, mentioned, 114
Granby, 32, 244
Graves, Eli, petition signed by, 47
Great Britain, 18, 27, 37
Green, [Mr.], mentioned, 62
Green, Samuel, Connecticut Reg-
ister, 161
Greene’s, mentioned, 94
Greenwich, 119, 141, 206
260
Griffin, [Mr.], N., mentioned, 105
Griswold, Capt. Jonah, Jr., petition
signed by, 240
Griswold, Lieut. Julius, suspended
and pardoned, 65
Griswold, Martin, petition signed
by, 118
Griswold, Lieut. Marvin, repri-
manded and pardoned, 65
Griswold, 141, 200, 210, 248
Griswold, letter dated at, 223
Groton, 58, 200, 248
Groton, petition dated at, 126
Guilford, 105, 109, 134, 135, 139,
142, 203, 249
Guilford, Artillery Company, 25
Guilford, petition dated at, 25
H — , Cyrus, petition signed by, 246
Haddam, 46, 61, 103, 141, 200, 203,
248, 249
Haddam, letter dated at, 40
Haddam, petition dated at, 37, 60
Height, Sylvanus, recommendation
signed by, 14
Hale, Capt. Horatio G., letter by,
217, 228, 230, 240
Hale, Capt. Horatio G., letter to,
224, 228
Hale, William, Jr., petition signed
by, 118
Hall, Lieut. Col. Abel, letter to,
201, 229
Hall, Lieut. Col. [Abel], mention-
ed, 189, 195, 202, 211, 212, 213,
235, 236
Hall, Capt. Daniel, suspended and
pardoned, 65
Hall, Lieut. David, letter by, 126
Hall, Lieut. Col. Elisha, mention-
ed, 48
Hall, Lieut. Isaac, mentioned, 219
Hall, Nathan, petition signed by,
56
Hall, Cornet Ralph, letter by, 131
Hall, Seth, petition signed by, 118
Hall, Lieut. William, suspended
and pardoned, 65
Hall, William A., petition signed
by, 118
Hamden, 203, 249
Hamden, East Plains Society, 249
Hamilton, H[oratio] A., surgeon,
petition signed by, 240
Hamilton, Sergt. Jonathan, petition
signed by, 50, 54
INDEX
Hamlin, Alanson, memorandum
signed by, 171
Hammond, Paul, petition signed by,
118
Hampton, 169, 247
Hanford, Abraham, petition signed
by, 246
Hanford, Lieut. John W., mention-
ed, 15
Harger, Abram, Jr., mentioned, 114
Harrison, Capt. Charles, mentioned,
103
Hart, Jonathan, petition signed by,
118
Hartford, 7, 21, 32, 72, 86, 89, 105,
106, 108, 117, 119, 120, 146, 148,
175, 177, 178, 179, 180, 182, 189,
191, 194, 195, 199, 201, 202, 208,
215, 221, 230, 231, 233, 249
Hartford, General Orders dated at,
17, 48, 53, 64, 70, 169
Hartford, Hartford Bank, 42
Hartford, letter dated at, 1, 2, 11,
16, 18, 36, 41, 47, 51, 52, 62, 66,
67, 68, 69, 81, 87, 90, 92, 110, 122,
130, 167, 168, 217, 228, 230, 234,
240, 246, 247
Hartford, Phoenix Bank, 42
Hartford, report dated at, 101
Hartford, Ripley’s Inn, 32, 147
Hartford Bank, Hartford, 42
Hartford County, 132, 157, 239
Hartland, 142, 209
Harwinton, 97, 209
Haughton, [W. W.], mentioned, 78
Hawley, Capt. David, Jr., applica-
tion signed by, 154
Hawley, Capt. David, Jr., letter by,
165
Hawley, Capt. David, Jr., letter to,
157, 219
Hayden, Capt. M., mentioned, 105
Hayden, Capt. Moses, letter by, 24
Hayden, Capt. Moses, letter to, 33
Hayden, Lieut. Col. Nathaniel,
mentioned, 142
Hebard, Capt. Gurdon, mentioned,
102
Hebron, 49, 141, 190, 200, 207, 248
Hebron, Andover Society, 207
Hebron, petition dated at, 49, 54
Henry, Ens. Persons, petition sign-
ed by, 240
Higgins, Asa, petition signed by,
38, 61
Higley, Luther, petition signed by,
245
Higley, Obed, petition signed by,
246
Hill, Abraham G., petition signed
by, 47
Hill, Philip, petition signed by, 47
Hill, Lieut. Philip, mentioned, 63
Hine, Aaron, petition signed by, 56
Hine, Abram, petition signed by, 56
Hinkley, Reuben E., petition signed
by, 47
Hoadly, Lieut. Col. George, letter
by, 194, 231, 237
Hoadly, Lieut. Col. George, letter
to, 188, 211
Hoadly, Lieut. Col. George, men-
tioned, 198, 201, 202, 218
Hodge, Jesse, petition signed by, 56
Holbrook, David, mentioned, 113,
114
Holbrook, Josiah, mentioned, 114
Holcomb, Lieut. Elihu, letter signed
by, 23
Holmes, Uriel, petition signed by,
125
Holt, Capt. Jere., suspended and
pardoned, 65
Holt, Joseph G., application signed
by, 193
Horse Artillery, see Militia, Horse
Artillery
Horse Guards, 36, 143, 193, 200
Horse Guards, 2nd Company, 36,
184, 214
Hosmer, Stephen T., mentioned, 80
Hotchkiss, Beers, mentioned, 114
Hotchkiss, David, Jr., mentioned,
114
Hotchkiss, James, petition signed
by, 118
Hotchkiss, John, petition signed by,
25
Hotchkiss, [Mr.] W., mentioned,
120
House, Aaron, mentioned, 62
[Howe, Brig. Gen. Hezekiah],
mentioned, 48, 53, 76, 203
Howell, Daniel K., petition signed
by, 118
Hubbard, Elisha, Jr., petition sign-
ed by, 118
Hubbard, Linus, petition signed by,
118
Hubbard, Ens. Richard, letter by,
162
261
INDEX
Hubbard, Capt. Thomas, excused
from military duty, 98
Hubbard, Ens. Richard, mentioned,
164
Hubbard, Capt. Thomas, letter by,
43, 75, 91
Hubbard, Capt. Thomas, letter to,
77, 98
Hubbard, Capt. Thomas, mentioned,
133, 134
Hubbard, William H., petition
signed by, 25
Hubbell, Curtiss, application
signed by, 155
Hubbell, Elijah, Jr., application
signed by, 155
Hubbell, Jeremiah, application
signed by, 155
Hubbell, Lewis, application signed
by, 155
Hubbell, Samuel, mentioned, 114,
115
Hubbell, Warner, application
signed by, 154
Huggins, [Mr.], mentioned, 95
Huggins, Capt. James, Jr., letters
signed by, 23
Hull, Ens. Calvin, petition signed
by, 240
Hull, Lieut. Col. Elisha, mentioned,
141
Hull, Ens. Jesse C., letter by, 172
Hull, Ens. Jesse C., letter to, 174
Hull, Joseph, petition signed by, 47
Hull, Morris, application signed by,
154
Humphreys (Humphrey), Lieut.
Col. Arnold P., letter by, 86
Humphreys, Lieut. Col. Arnold P.,
letter to, 90
Humphreys, Lieut. Col. Arnold P.,
mentioned, 141
Humphreys, Asher, petition signed
by, 245
Humphreys, Capt. Asher, men-
tioned, 112
Humphreys, Charles, petition
signed by, 245
Humphreys, Correl, petition signed
by, 245
Humphreys, Decius, petition signed
by, 245
Humphreys, Lieut. Decius, letter
by, 112
Humphreys, Lieut. Decius, letter
to, 116
262
Humphreys, Eben, petition signed
by, 245
Humphreys, Fred, petition signed
by, 245
Humphreys, Frederick, petition
signed by, 246
Humphreys, Lieut. Loin, letter
signed by, 23
Humphreys, Capt. William, letter
by, 195
Humphreys, Capt. William, letter
to, 222
Humphrey sville, letter dated at, 195
Huntington, Maj. Gen. Ebenezer,
Adj. Gen., letter by, 10, 77, 148,
185, 189, 197, 203, 207, 210, 220,
221, 230
Huntington, Maj. Gen. Ebenezer,
Adj. Gen., letter to, 72, 85, 135,
145, 198, 210, 247, 248
Huntington, Maj. Gen. Ebenezer,
Adj. Gen., mentioned, 32, 48, 65,
73, 119, 120, 127, 133, 143, 144,
152, 155, 158, 169, 177, 187, 201,
203, 205, 206, 209, 211, 215, 219.
220, 223, 245, 249
Huntington, Horace, petition signed
by, 125
Huntington, Jabez W., appointed
Judge Advocate, 132, 157
Huntington, Maj. Thomas M.,
mentioned, 204, 222
Huntington, 154, 155, 190, 196, 206,
229, 236
Huntington, application dated at,
154
Huntington, letter dated at, 165
Hurlbut, Lieut. Col. [Leonard],
mentioned, 64, 70, 74, 75
[Hurlbut, Brig. Gen. Leonard],
mentioned, 72
Hurlbut, Ralph and others, petition
by, 126
Hyde, Laurins, application signed
by, 155
Hyde, Sergt. Roswell, application
signed by, 154
Ingersol, Brigade Major, acquitted,
76
Ingersoll, Jonathan, Lieut. Gover-
nor, letter by, 233
Ingram, William, petition signed
by, 54
Instructions for forming militia,
2nd Brigade, 249
INDEX
Instructions for forming militia,
3rd Brigade, 248
Instructions for forming militia,
5th Brigade, 247
Ireland, 18
Isham, Brigade General Jirah, let-
ter to, 98
Isham, Brigade General [Jirah],
mentioned, 57, 159, 201
Jackson, Capt. David, letter to, 113,
115
Jackson, Capt. David, mentioned,
93, 100, 101, 113, 115, 127
Jewett, Capt. George W., mentioned
51
Jewett, Maj. George W., letter by,
27, 79, 186, 227
Jewett, Maj. George W., letter to,
31, 186, 223
Jewett, Maj. [George W.], men-
tioned, 79, 216
Jewett, [Maj. George W.], note to,
83
Jewett, Lieut. Col. George W.,
mentioned, 249
Johnson, Capt., mentioned, 117
Johnson, Andrew, deposition signed
by, 101
Johnson, Andrew, mentioned, 101
Johnson, Lieut. Benoni, reprimand-
ed and pardoned, 65
Johnson, Henry, mentioned, 114,
115
Johnson, Corp. Ira., petition signed
by, 54
Johnson, Joel, petition signed by,
118
Johnson, Capt. Jonathan, Jr., peti-
tion signed by, 240
Johnson, Ens. Joseph, petition
signed by, 240
Johnson, Lewis, mentioned, 113, 114
Johnson, Capt. N., mentioned, 105,
108
Joice, Joseph A., application signed
by, 155
Jones, Dan, petition signed by, 55
Jones, George W., mentioned, 113,
114, 115
Jones, Henry, petition signed by, 54
Jones, Ens. Joel, 2nd, petition
signed by, 50
Jones, Timothy, petition signed by,
55
Jorden, Sergt. James, mentioned,
15
Journal of the House of Represen-
tatives, 122
Judd, Jonathan, petition signed by,
118
Judd, Orren, petition signed by, 125
Kelcey, see Kelsey
Kelsey (Kelcey), George, Jr., peti-
tion signed by, 38, 61
Kelsey, James, petition signed by,
38, 61
Kelsey, Jedediah, 2nd, petition
signed by, 47
Kelsey, Samuel, petition signed by,
38, 61
Kellogg, Lieut. Col. Martin, Jr.,
mentioned, 141, 242, 242-243
Kent, 142, 209
Kentucky, 93
Kibbe, Lieut. Col. Amariah, Jr.,
mentioned, 142, 185, 199, 207
Kibbee, Lieut. Col. Amariah and
others, petition by, 239
Kibbe, Lieut. Horatio, petition
signed by, 240
Kibbe, Capt. Luke, petition signed
by, 240
Killingly, 106, 107, 109, 169, 247
Killingly, South Society, 247
Killingworth, 41, 46, 60, 63, 103,
203, 249
Killingworth, Artillery Company
requested, 46
Killingworth, letter dated at, 13,
39, 59, 151
Killingworth, order dated at, 63
Killingworth, petition dated at, 45
Kimball, Ens. Josiah, petition
signed by, 240
King, Lieut. Col. George, men-
tioned, 142, 190
Kingsbury, Andrew, letter by, 41
Kingsbury, Col. [Jacob], mentioned,
159
Knap, John, application signed by,
155
Knight, Jonathan, recommendation
signed by, 14
Knowles, Leonard, petition signed
by, 61
Knowles, Simon, petition signed by,
38, 61
263
INDEX
Lambert, Jas., recommendation
signed by, 14
Landon, Jno. R., petition signed by,
125
Langdon, Mr., mentioned, 94
Latham, Sergt. Isaack, petition
signed by, 54
Law, Hervey, petition signed by, 56
Laws of the United States, 81, 89, 90
Lebanon, 200, 248
Lester, Capt., mentioned, 210
Lester, John, letter by, 131, 223
Lester, Capt. John, letter to, 226
Lewis, Ansel, petition signed by,
118
[Lewis, Capt. Cyrus], mentioned,
213
Lewis, Jeptha, petition signed by,
118
Lewis, John, mentioned, 114, 115
Lewis, Jonathan, petition signed by,
118
Lewis, Prosper, application signed
by, 155
Lewis’s Inn, Farmington, 133
L’Hommedieu, Joshua, application
signed by, 192
Lisbon, 141, 200, 248
Litchfield, 67, 146, 198, 199, 207, 209,
221, 251
Litchfield, Catlin’s Inn, 209
Litchfield, letter dated at, 126
Litchfield, petition dated at, 125
Litchfield, regulations of fishery in,
121, 125
Litchfield County, 132, 157
Lockwood, Rev. W., mentioned, 11
Loomis, Lieut. Chester, reprimand-
ed and pardoned, 65
Loomis Capt. Elisha, suspended and
pardoned, 65
Loomis, Lieut. Col. James, men-
tioned, 141
Loomis, Ens. Reuben, reprimanded
and pardoned, 65
Loomis, Lieut. Warren, repri-
manded and pardoned, 65
Lord, Jared S., application signed
by, 192
Lucas, Amos, petition signed by, 118
Lucey, David, mentioned, 114
Lusk, Brig. Gen. Levi, mentioned,
57, 80, 242, 243, 244
Lyman, Judge, mentioned, 94
Lyme, 103, 142, 200, 248
264
McKinney, Cornet David, repri-
manded, 73
McLean (McClean), Lieut. Col.
Francis, mentioned, 141
McLean, Lieut. Col. Francis, peti-
tion signed by, 240
McNeil, William, mentioned, 114
[Madison, James], President, men-
tioned, 82, 168
Mallory, Lawyer, mentioned, 94
Mallory, Harry, application signed
by, 155
Mallory, Lyman, petition signed by,
56
Mallory, Mark, petition signed by,
56
Mansfield, Capt. John T., suspend-
ed and pardoned, 65
Mansfield, 102, 169, 247
Marks, Maj. [William], mentioned,
208
Marlborough, 135, 148, 200, 248
Marshall, Isaac, mentioned, 114
Marshall, John P., mentioned, 136,
137
Marvin, Ira, petition signed by, 55
Maryland, 122
Massachusetts, 19, 122
Mather, Eli, petition signed by, 246
Mattoon, Joel, letter by, 26
Mead, Lieut. Col. Ebenezer, men-
tioned, 141
Measles, 15
Memorandum concerning Lieut. Ol-
iver Burr, 171
Meriden, 203, 249
Merritt, Sergt. Ebenezer, Jr., ap-
plication signed by, 154
Merwin, Nathan, 2nd, petition
signed by, 56
Middlebury, 196, 209
Middlebury, [Vt], 94, 96
Middlefield, 182
Middlesex County, 132, 158
Middletown, 32, 176, 185, 191, 192;
194, 197, 211, 218
Middletown, letter dated at, 8, 43,
75, 80, 91, 131, 133, 156, 166, 174,
175, 180, 215, 232, 241
Middletown, Newfield, 117
Middletown, petition dated at, 117
Middletown, reduction of troops at,
191, 192
Middletown, Staddle Hill, 117
Middletown, Upper Houses, 182
Milford, 142, 195, 203, 249
INDEX
Military Corps, see State Corps
Military delinquents, 80, 84
Militia, 1, 3, 18, 33, 39, 55, 60, 117,
133, 134, 135, 155, 156, 157, 158,
162, 163, 165, 166, 171, 172, 174,
177, 180, 186, 187, 188, 197, 213,
217, 220, 222, 225, 228, 235, 236,
239, 243, 244, 245
Militia, instructions for forming
2nd Brigade, 249
Militia, instructions for forming
3rd Brigade, 248
Militia, instructions for forming
5th Brigade, 247
Militia, merger with State Corps,
222
Militia, suggestions for improve-
ment of, 21-22
Militia, Artillery, 17, 24, 28, 29, 30,
31, 33, 37, 39, 40, 46, 49, 56, 60,
61, 63, 68, 69, 110, 111, 131, 134,
135, 136, 137, 143, 152, 153, 155,
176, 189, 190, 210, 223, 226
Militia, Battalion companies, 248
Militia, Cavalry, 22, 134, 140, 143,
144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 153, 155,
166, 167, 181, 182, 185, 189, 196,
198, 201, 202, 212, 213, 215, 216,
218, 234
Militia, Cavalry, change to Horse
Artillery protested, 216
Militia, Cavalry, converted to
Horse Artillery, 22
Militia, Flank companies, 248
Militia, Flying Artillery, 22, 52
Militia, Grenadiers, 55, 143, 148, 247
Militia, Horse Artillery, 22, 28, 136,
139, 140, 144, 145, 146, 147, 153,
166, 167, 175, 176, 181, 182, 185,
188, 189, 191, 192, 194, 195, 197,
198, 200, 201, 202, 211, 212, 213,
214, 215, 216, 231, 232, 234, 235,
236, 237
Militia, Horse Artillery, appoint-
ment of officers in, 241
Militia, Horse Artillery, change
from Cavalry protested, 216
Militia, Horse Artillery, converted
from Cavalry, 22
Militia, Horse Artillery, 1st. Regt.,
231
Militia, Infantry, 17, 24, 30, 142,
143, 148, 153, 156, 166, 169, 178,
181, 182, 200, 202, 203, 206, 209,
220, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,
230, 234, 247, 250
Militia, Infantry, officers of, ordered
to convene at Hartford, 32
Militia, Infantry, returns, 15
Militia, Light Artillery, 134, 138,
139, 144, 147, 153, 156, 219, 237
Militia, Light Infantry, 23, 143, 144,
148, 166, 181, 186, 247
Militia, Matross company, 136, 210
Militia, Riflemen, 24, 33, 136, 137,
139, 144, 145, 148, 153, 154, 157,
158, 165, 166, 167, 168, 171, 172,
175, 180, 181, 182, 192, 204, 216,
217, 220, 224, 225, 227, 228, 229,
232, 236, 240, 241, 249, 250, 251
Militia, Riflemen, application for
forming company of, 192
Militia, Riflemen, directives for
forming companies of, 145, 224,
229
Militia, Riflemen, in Durham, 144
Militia, Riflemen, in Saybrook, 224
Militia, Riflemen, permission for
forming companies of, 225
Militia, Riflemen, petition to form
company of, 117
Militia, Riflemen, request to form
company of, 249, 250
Militia, 1st Division, 1st Brigade,
135
Militia, Second Division, 2nd Bri-
gade, 76, 135
Militia, Second Division, 4th Bri-
gade, 75, 76
Militia, Third Division, [3rd Bri-
gade], 3rd Regt., 58
Militia, 1st Brigade, 29, 73, 78, 199,
208, 210, 211, 221, 230
Militia, [1st Brigade], 1st. Regt.,
141
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt.,
23, 29, 31, 86, 141
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
1st Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
2nd Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
3rd. Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt.,
4th Co., 23, 24, 244, 245
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
6th Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
7th Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
8th Co., 23
265
INDEX
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
Artillery Co., 21, 22, 23, 112, 117
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt.,
1st Light Infantry Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 18th Regt,
2nd Light Infantry Co., 23
Militia, [1st Brigade], 19th Regt,
141
Militia, 1st Brigade, 19th Regt.,
5th Co., 240
Militia, [1st Brigade], 22nd Regt.,
141
Militia, 1st Brigade, 22nd Regt.,
7th Co., 240
Militia, [1st Brigade], 31st Regt.,
142
Militia, [1st Brigade], 31st Regt,
3rd Co., 240
Militia, 1st Brigade, 31st Regt.,
5th Co., 240
Militia, [1st Brigade], 1st Regt,
Cavalry, 1st Troop, 51, 73
Militia, 2nd Brigade, 78, 199, 207,
208, 210, 221
Militia, [2nd Brigade], Horse Ar-
tillery, 28
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 2nd Regt.,
141, 249
Militia, 2nd Brigade, 7th Regt., 28,
37, 40, 41, 46, 51, 61, 67, 68, 141,
249
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 7th Regt.,
needs artillery company, 31
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 7th Regt,
10th Co., 249
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 10th Regt.,
141, 208, 249
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 10th Regt.,
2nd Co., 162
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 10th Regt.,
4th Co., 173
Militia, 2nd Brigade, 10th Regt.,
[2nd Co., Light Infantry], 4
Militia, 2nd Brigade, 22nd Regt.,
249
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 27th Regt.,
142
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 27th Regt.,
3rd Co., 25, 30
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 32nd Regt.,
113, 142
Militia, 2nd Brigade, 32nd Regt.,
1st Co., 53
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 32nd Regt.,
2nd Co., 93, 100, 101, 115, 127
266
Militia, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Regt.,
Cavalry, 48, 201, 202, 231
Militia, [2nd Brigade], [2nd Regt.],
Cavalry, 1st Troop, 28, 188, 195,
200, 212
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 2nd Regt.,
Cavalry, 2nd Troop, 189, 194, 195
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 2nd Regt.,
Cavalry, 3rd Troop, 188, 212
Militia, [2nd Brigade], [2nd Regt.],
Cavalry, 4th Troop, 28, 189, 195,
212
Militia, [2nd Brigade], 2nd Regt.,
Cavalry, Horse Artillery Co., 194
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 185, 190, 220,
221, 222
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Regt., 57,
141, 248
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 8th Regt., 57,
131, 141, 248
Militia, [3rd Brigade], 8th Regt.,
3rd Co., 98, 126
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 18th Regt.,
248
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 20th Regt.,
57,141,248
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 30th Regt,
57, 142
Militia, 3rd Brigade, 33rd Regt.,
57, 142
Militia, [3rd Brigade], 3rd Regt.,
Cavalry, 202, 215, 2Zl
Militia, [3rd Brigade], 3rd Regt.,
Cavalry, 2nd Troop, 11, 12
Militia, [3rd Brigade], 3rd Regt.,
Cavalry, 3rd Troop, 215
Militia, 4th Brigade, 199, 207, 210,
220, 221
Militia, [4th Brigade], 4th Regt.,
141
Militia, 4th Brigade, 4th Regt.,
Light Infantry Co., 219
Militia, [4th Brigade], 9th Regt.,
141
Militia, [4th Brigade], 28th Regt.,
142
Militia, [4th Brigade], 28th Regt.,
4th Co., 154
Militia, [4th Brigade], 34th Regt.,
142
Militia, 4th Brigade, 4th Co., Ar-
tillery, 221
Militia, [4th Brigade], 4th Regt.,
Cavalry, 201, 202, 211, 234
INDEX
Militia, [4th Brigade], 4th Regt.,
Cavalry, disbandment suggested,
236
Militia, [4th Brigade], 4th Regt.,
Cavalry, refuses transfer to Horse
Artillery, 234, 235, 236
Militia, 4th Brigade, 4th Regt.,
Cavalry, Horse Artillery Co., 15,
16
Militia, 5th Brigade, 190, 191, 199,
239, 240
Militia, [5th Brigade], 5th Regt.,
141, 247
Militia, [5th Brigade], 11th Regt.,
141, 247
Militia, [5th Brigade], 12th Regt.,
141, 190
Militia, [5th Brigade], 12th Regt.,
3rd Co., 49, 54
Militia, [5th Brigade], 12th Regt.,
9th Co., 49, 54, 62
Militia, 5th Brigade, 19th Regt.,
247
Militia, [5th Brigade], 21st Regt.,
141
Militia, [5th Brigade], 21st Regt.,
6th Co., 123, 124, 238
Militia, 5th Brigade, 23rd Regt,
247
Militia, 6th Brigade, 72, 78, 185,
191, 199, 207, 210, 211, 221
Militia, [6th Brigade], 14th Regt.,
141
Militia, [6th Brigade], 17th Regt,
141
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt,
1st Co., 64, 65, 74
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt,
3rd Co., 65
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt.,
4th Co., 65
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt.,
5th Co., 65
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt.,
6th Co., 65
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt.,
7th Co., 65, 70, 71
Militia, 6th Brigade, 17th Regt.,
8th Co., 65
Militia, [6th Brigade], 25th Regt.,
24, 64, 70, 74, 142
Militia, [6th Brigade], 35th Regt.,
142
Militia, [6th Brigade], 6th Regt.,
Cavalry, 146
Militia, [7th Brigade], 6th Regt,
141
Militia, [7th Brigade], 15th Regt.,
141
Militia, [7th Brigade], 23rd Regt.,
141, 181
Militia, [7th Brigade], 23rd Regt,
7th Co., 190
Militia, [7th Brigade], 24th Regt.,
142
Militia, 7th Brigade, 24th Regt.,
1st Co., 242, 243
Militia, [8th Brigade], 13th Regt.,
141
Militia, [8th Brigade], 16th Regt,
107, 141
Militia, [8th Brigade], 16th Regt,
Light Infantry Co., 44
Militia, 8th Brigade, 26th Regt., 66,
67, 142
Militia, [8th Brigade], 26th Regt.,
4th Co., 44
Militia, [8th Brigade], 26th Regt.,
8th Co., 44
Militia, [8th Brigade], 29th Regt.,
107, 142
Militia, [8th Brigade], 8th Regt.,
Cavalry, 146
Millington Society, East Haddam,
248
Mills, Ezra, application signed by,
155
Mills, Grarad, petition signed by,
47
Mills, Capt. Jared, Jr., letter signed
by, 24
Mills, Capt. Jared, Jr., letter to, 29
Mills, Jared, Jr., petition signed by,
246
Mills, Norman, petition signed by,
245
Mills, Lieut. Col. Philo, mentioned,
142
Miner, Ebenezer P., petition signed
by, 126
Miner, Peregrine, petition signed
by, 54
Minot, Christopher, letter by, 94
Minot, Mrs. [Christopher], men-
tioned, 96
Minutes of the Council of Safety,
17
Mitchell, [Mr.] S. M., mentioned,
95
Mitchell, Lieut. Col. Timothy, let-
ter by, 42
267
INDEX
Mitchell, Walter, appointed Judge
Advocate, 157
Mix, Col. John, Quartermaster
General, mentioned, 120, 121, 150
Mohegan Turnpike, 77, 78
Mohegan Turnpike, commissioners,
85
[Monroe, James], Secretary of
State, mentioned, 89
[Monroe, James], Secretary of
War, mentioned, 82, 89
Montville, 200, 248
Moore, Lieut. Col. William, 4th,
mentioned, 57, 141
Moses, Thaddeus, petition signed
by, 245
Mt. Carmel, 249
Munn, Lieut. John G., letter by, 81
Munn, Lieut. John G., letter to, 85
Munson, Marvin, application signed
by, 155
Nettleton, David, petition signed
by, 56
New Canaan, 206
New Fairfield, 206
New Hampshire, 122
New Hartford, 209
New Haven, 4, 28, 39, 41, 48, 53,
58, 100, 104, 105, 109, 113, 115,
116, 121, 122, 130, 141, 180, 182,
185, 188, 193, 199, 203, 207, 208,
221, 238, 249
New Haven, Eagle Bank, 42
New Haven, General Orders dated
at, 127
New Haven, letter dated at, 26, 27
28, 35, 48, 184, 193, 194, 214, 231,
233 237
N[ew] H[aven], [Vt.], 94
New Haven County, 100, 101, 132,
135, 157, 162, 234
New London, 57, 76, 102, 103, 112,
119, 120, 121, 123, 129, 130, 141,
159, 177, 185, 187, 200, 210, 248
New London, letter dated at, 5, 6,
7, 179, 180
New London County, 132, 157, 207,
234
New Milford, 206, 209
New Preston, 206, 209
New Salem Society, Colchester, 248
New York, 97, 122, 204
New York, letter dated at, 89
New York State, 238
268
Newfield, Middletown, 117
Newport, R.I., 177
Newton, Oliver, petition signed by,
118
Newtown, 196, 206, 229
Newtown, letter dated at, 129
Nichols, Augustus, mentioned, 114,
115
Niles, Barak, petition signed by, 54
Niles, David, petition signed by, 54
Norfolk, 209
North, Abijah, petition signed by,
118
North, Alvin, petition signed by,
118
North, Selah, petition signed by,
118
North Carolina, 122
North Haven, 104, 203, 249
North Milford, 55
North Milford, petition dated at, 55
North River, New York, 9
North Stonington, 200, 248
Northampton, Mass., 94
Northum, David, petition signed by,
54
Norton, Ambrose, petition signed
by, 125
Norton, Samuel S., petition signed
by, 25
Norwalk, 104, 109, 206, 207
Norwalk, recommendation dated at,
14
Norwich, 102, 185, 199, 200, 221,
248
Norwich, letter dated at, 10, 77, 148,
160, 176, 185, 189, 197, 203, 207,
210, 214, 217, 220, 221
Norwich, Norwich Bank, 78
Norwich Bank, Norwich, 78
Officers, arrangements for meeting
of, 207, 208
Officers, order for election of, 53
Ohio, 122
Olmsted, Stanley, petition signed
by, 245
Order for disbandment, 219
Order for formation of Artillery
Company in Killingworth, 63
Order for formation of Artillery
Company in Killingworth, re-
voked, 67, 68
Order for meeting of General Offi-
cers, 133, 169
INDEX
Order for meeting of Lieutenant
Colonels at Fairfield, 206
Order for meeting of Lieutenant
Colonels in Litchfield, 209
Order for meeting of Lieutenant
Colonels in New Haven, 202, 203
Order for meeting of Lieutenant
Colonels in Norwich, 199, 200
Order for meeting of Lieutenant
Colonels of Cavalry, 147
Order (new) for formation of Ar-
tillery Company in Killingworth,
68
Ordnance, report concerning, 101-
110
Ordnance, request for, 210
Ordnance, requested for Guilford
Artillery Company, 25
Osborn, Isaac H., mentioned, 15
Oviatt, Nathan, Jr., petition signed
by, 56
Owens, Samuel B., mentioned, 229
Oxford, 196, 203, 249
Palmer, Simeon, Jr., petition signed
by, 125
Pardee, Joseph, Jr., petition signed
by, 56
Parker, Ira, petition signed by, 56
Parmelee, Ens. David, petition
signed by, 25
Parmelee, John E., petition signed
by, 38, 61
Parmelee, Linus, Jr. and others,
petition signed by, 37
Parmelee, Lieut. Linus, Jr., letter
by, 40
Parmelee, Lieut. Linus, Jr., letter
to, 41
Parmelee, Lieut. Linus, Jr. and
others, petition by, 60
Parsons, Simeon, petition signed
by, 118
Patchen, James, mentioned, 114, 115
Patrick, John, petition signed by,
118
Patten, Samuel, petition signed by,
118
Pay of Troops, 16, 18, 149, 150, 158,
159, 160, 167, 168, 177, 178, 180
Paymaster’s account, 57
Pease, Theodore, Adjutant, petition
signed by, 240
Peck, Abel, petition signed by,, 56
Peck, Lieut. James, letter by, 35,
193, 214
Peck, Lieut. James, letter to, 38,
199
Peck, Lieut. James, mentioned, 184
Peck, Cornet Luther, letter by, 36
Peddlers, 144
Perkins, Mr., mentioned, 116, 149
Perkins, Francis A., letter by, 160
Perkins, Major George [L.], Dis-
trict Paymaster, letter by, 176
Perkins, Major George L., District
Paymaster, letter to, 167
Perkins, Major [George L.], Dis-
trict Paymaster, mentioned, 151,
159, 160, 179, 180
Perkins, Sergt. Gideon, letter by,
124
Perkins, Sergt. Gideon, mentioned,
124, 238
Perkins, Capt. Isaac, letter by, 51
Petition, 25, 37, 45, 49, 54, 55, 60,
100, 117, 239, 244
Petition against use of fishnets in
Litchfield, 125
Petition for transfer of Militia
Company, 244, 245
Petition to form infantry company
in Hebron, 49
Pettibone, Capt. Sereno, letter to,
116
Pettibone, Capt. Sereno, mentioned,
22, 23, 31, 110, 116, 117
Pettibone, Theodore, Jr., petition
signed by, 245
Pettibone, Truman, petition signed
by, 245
Pettipaug, 120, 227, 249
Pettipaug Society, Saybrook, 103
Phelps, Alpheus, petition signed by,
55
Phelps, Capt. Austin, letter signed
by, 24
Phelps, Elihu, petition signed by,
118
Phelps, Ellsworth, petition signed
by, 118
Phelps, Ens. Frederick, petition
signed by, 50
Phdps, George, petition signed by,
Phelps, Sergt. Henry J., petition
signed by, 50
Phelps, Lieut. John, petition signed
by, 240
Phelps, W[illia]m, mentioned, 62
Philadelphia, [Pa.], letter dated at,
128
269
INDEX
Phoenix Bank, Hartford, 42
Pickerel, 125
Pierson, Abiel, mentioned, 113, 114
Pierson, John, petition signed by,
47
Pinney, Ens. David, letter signed
by, 23
Pinney, Lieut. Joseph, letter signed
by, 24
“Piper,” (schooner), see Schooner
“Piper”
Plainfield, 109, 141, 169, 247
Plainfield, letter dated at, 238
Plainfield, recommendation dated
at, 124
[Platt, Lieut Benjamin], men-
tioned, 76
Plummer, George, Brigade Major,
General Order signed by, 244
Plummer, William, letter by, 211
Plymouth, 209
Plymouth, letter dated at, 129
Pomfret, 106, 107, 109, 141, 169, 247
Pooll, John B., application signed
by, 154
Porter, Amos, mentioned, 62
Porter, Corp. Asahel, mentioned, 62
Porter, Lieut. Col. Lemuel, men-
tioned, 142
Porter, Orlando, Brigade Major,
mentioned, 66
Porter, Lieut. Thaddeus, petition
signed by, 54
Porter, Lieut. Thaddeus, remon-
strance signed by, 62
Porter, W[illia]m, mentioned, 62
Post, Capt. Jeremiah K., mentioned,
249
Potter, Samuel, petition signed by,
56
Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 99
Prescott, Maj. Enos A., letter by,
184
Prescott, Maj. [Enos A.], men-
tioned, 193
Preston, Nathan, letter by, 137
Preston, 200, 248
Preston, letter dated at, 98, 131
Prindle, Lewis, mentioned, 114
Prior, Selden, petition signed by,
118
Providence, R.I., 177
Prudden, Joseph, petition signed
by, 56
Prudden, Peter, petition signed by,
56
Prudden, Samuel, Jr., petition
signed by, 56
Randall, Lieut. Col. William, men-
tioned, 57, 142
Rank of Adjutant, decided, 90
Rank of Adjutant, questioned, 86
Rank of Officers, questioned, 231
Rank of Paymaster, decided, 90
Rank of Paymaster, questioned, 86
Ranney, Capt. J. D., mentioned, 122
Recommendation, requests for, 81,
82, 88
Recommendations, 14, 86, 128, 136
Recruiting, 225, 233, 234, 237, 250
Redding, 155, 206
Redfield, Isaac, petition signed by,
47
Redistribution of Militia, suggested,
136
Reeve, Tapping, petition signed by,
125
Remer, Ens. Lewis, mentioned, 113
Remonstrance, of 18th Regt.
against formation of Artillery
Company, 22-23
Remonstrances, 54, 62
Report on conditions of State Ord-
nance, 101-110, 110-111
Reprimand, text of concerning Capt.
Samuel Crowel, 243
Request, for appointment, 13
Request for information concerning
uniforms, 251
Request for instructions concern-
ing Infantry duty, 223
Request for Ordnance in Canton,
112
Request for Ordnance granted, 116,
117
Request for reannexing Enfield to
5th Brigade, 239
Request to disband 2nd Co., CavaP
ry. State Corps, 196
Request to form Artillery Com-
pany, not granted, 30
Requests for choice of Officers, 134,
232
Requests to form Artillery Co., 25,
131, 134, 137
Resignation, request for, 137
Resignations, 75, 126, 127, 129, 130,
131, 246
Returns, 14
Returns, difficulty in securing, 215
Returns, of Infantry, 141
270
INDEX
Returns, ordered made, 143, 144
Reymond, Joseph S., application
signed by, 155
Rhode Island, 160
Rice, Mrs., mentioned, 96
Richards, [Mrs.], mentioned, 94
Richards, Henry, petition signed by,
38, 61
Rider, [Mr.], mentioned, 62
Ridgefield, 110, 206
Rifle Company, see Militia, Rifle-
men
Rifle Corps, see Militia, Riflemen
Riflemen, see Militia, Riflemen
Riggs, Joseph H., mentioned, 113,
114
Riggs, Sergt. Joseph H., letter by,
93
Ripley, Brig. Gen. [Eleazer W.],
mentioned, 82
Ripley’s Inn, Hartford, 32, 147
Ripton, 154, 219
Roberts, Ens. Erastus, letter signed
by, 23
Roberts, William, petition signed
by, 245
Robinson, Charles, certificate
signed by, 162
Robinson, Capt. Charles, letter by,
163
Robinson, Capt. Charles, letter to,
164
Robinson, James, certificate signed
by, 162
Robinson, Samuel, certificate signed
by, 162
Rockwell, Capt., mentioned, 89, 90,
92
Rogers, John, petition signed by,
118
Roll of men liable to do duty, 114
Root, Caleb, Jr., mentioned, 62
Rossman, [Mr.], mentioned, 94
Roxbury, 209
Russell, Matthew T., letter by, 80
Russell, Matthew T., letter to, 84
Russell, Silvester, mentioned, 95
Russell, Lieut. Stephen, pardoned,
74
Russell, Lieut. Steph[en], suspend-
ed, 65
Rust, Spencer, petition signed by,
118
Rutland, [Vt.], 94
Sailors, 181
St. John, William, recommendation
signed by, 14
Salisbury, 141, 209
[Salter, Brig. Gen. John], men-
tioned, 123, 169, 238
Sanford, Col. Elihu, mentioned, 58,
100, 148
Saunders, Geo[rge], mentioned, 62
Saybrook, 19, 203, 216, 224, 249
Saybrook, application dated at, 192
Saybrook, Artillery Co., military
status unchanged, 156
Saybrook, Artillery Co., opposes
change in military status, 153
Saybrook, letter dated at, 27, 51, 78,
152, 186, 227
Saybrook, Pettipaug Society, 103
Scantic Parish, East Windsor, 239
Scarborough, Godfrey, appointed
Judge Advocate, 132
Scarborough, Col. Jared, Quarter-
master General, letter by, 110
Scarborough, Col. Jared, Quarter-
master General, letter to, 116
Scarborough, Col. Jared, Quarter-
master General, mentioned, 12,
18, 42, 116, 149, 150, 210, 219, 227
[Scarborough, Col. Jared], Quar-
termaster General, report by, 101
Schedule for meetings of officers,
221, 222
Schooner “Piper,” 122
Schuylkill River, 128
Scovell, Ens. Champion, repri-
manded and pardoned, 65
Scovill, James M. L., Brigade
Quartermaster, mentioned, 66
Seward, Seth, certificate signed by,
162
Seymour, Moses, Jr., petition
signed by, 125
Sharon, 108, 142, 148, 169, 194, 197,
209
Sharon, circular dated at, 133
Sharon, General Orders dated at,
73, 74, 75
Sharon, letter dated at, 11, 12, 21,
29, 30, 31, 33, 38, 41, 72, 79, 83,
84, 85, 89, 90, 98, 99, 115, 116,
135, 138, 139, 145, 147, 155, 157,
158, 164, 174, 177, 183, 185, 186,
187, 188, 197, 198, 199, 201, 202,
204, 210, 211, 219, 222, 223, 224,
225, 226, 228, 248, 249, 250
Sharon, note dated at, 27, 35, 83
Sharp Shooters, 165
271
INDEX
Shaylor, Alvah, petition signed by,
38, 61
Sheldon, Daniel, petition signed by,
125
Sheldon, Corp. Lockwood, applica-
tion signed by, 154
Shelton, Christopher N., application
signed by, 155
Shelton, Harris, application signed
by, 155
Shelton, Lieut. Stephen, letter by,
129
Shepard (Sheperd, Shephard, Shep-
herd), Esq., mentioned, 94
Shepard, Lieut. Col. Cornelius,
mentioned, 141, 190, 199, 207
Shepard, Lieut. Col. Cornelius, pe-
tition certified by, 50
Shepard, Lieut. Ebenezer, letter
signed by, 23
Shepard, Col. Timothy, mentioned,
148
Sherman, Capt. Anson, mentioned,
104
Sherman, Maj. Charles, mentioned,
76
Sherman, Isaac R., petition signed
by, 38, 61
Sherman, 206
Sherwood, Sam[ue]l B., recom-
mendation signed by, 14
Shipman, Maj. [Joseph], men-
tioned, 41
Short, Dr. L, mentioned, 113, 114
Short, James, mentioned, 114, 115
Simsbury, 24, 32, 110, 244
Simsbury, letter dated at, 22
Skinner, Ens. Hervey, letter signed
by, 23
Skinner, Capt. Zimri, suspended
and pardoned, 65
Smith, Aaron, application signed
by, 193
Smith, Aaron, petition signed by,
125
[Smith, Lieut. Col. Aaron], men-
tioned, 71, 72
Smith, Abram, certificate signed
by, 113
Smith, Almond, mentioned, 114
Smith, Amos, petition signed by, 56
Smith, Charles, application signed
by, 192
Smith, Daniel H., petition signed
by, 118
272
Smith, Lieut. Col. Elijah, men-
tioned, 141, 207
Smith, Brig. Gen. Garrit, letter by,
44, 66
Smith, Brig. Gen. Garrit, letter to,
47
Smith, Brig. Gen. Garrit, men-
tioned, 42, 43, 107
Smith, Horace, petition signed by,
38, 61
Smith, Isaac, mentioned, 114, 115
Smith, Lieut. Col. Jesse, mentioned,
141
Smith, John, application signed by,
193
Smith, John Cotton, application to,
154
Smith, John Cotton, certificate by,
161
Smith, John Cotton, deed requested
of for Vermont property, 96
Smith, John Cotton, letter by, 1, 2,
11, 12, 16, 18, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31,
33, 34, 38, 41, 47, 52, 53, 62, 67,
68, 72, 77, 83, 84, 85, 89, 90, 98,
99, 113, 115, 116, 135, 138, 139,
145, 147, 155, 157, 158, 164, 167,
168, 174, 177, 183, 185, 186, 187,
188, 197, 198, 199, 200, 202, 204,
210, 211, 219, 222, 223, 224, 225,
226, 228, 229, 234, 247, 249, 250
Smith, John Cotton, letter to, 1, 5,
8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, 22, 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40,
41, 42, 43, 44, 48, 50, 51, 59, 66,
69, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 86,
87, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 96, 100, 110,
112, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 128,
129, 130, 131, 133, 134, 137, 140,
144, 148, 149, 151, 152, 156, 160,
161, 162, 163, 165, 166, 170, 171,
172, 174, 175, 176, 178, 180, 184,
185, 186, 189, 191, 193, 194, 195,
197, 203, 207, 210, 211, 212, 214,
215, 217, 220, 221, 223, 226, 227,
228, 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 237,
238, 240, 241, 246
Smith, John Cotton, memorial to,
124
Smith, John Cotton, note by, 27,
35, 83, 84
Smith, John Cotton, petition to,
25, 37, 45, 49, 54, 55, 60, 117, 124,
126, 239, 244
Smith, John Cotton, recommenda-
tion to, 14
INDEX
Smith, [John Cotton], Governor,
mentioned, 97, 122
Smith, Mrs. [John Cotton], men-
tioned, 96, 204
Smith, Jos. H., mentioned, 115
Smith, Joseph, 114
Smith, Joshua, Jr., application
signed by, 192
Smith, Lucius, petition signed by,
125
Smith, Sergt. Nathan, 2nd, petition
signed by, 50
Smith, Nathaniel, recommendation
by, 136
Smith, Samuel, petition signed by,
118
Smith, Samuel B., petition signed
by, 118
Smith, Wells, application signed by,
192
Somers, 142, 169, 190, 239, 240, 247
Somers, petition dated at, 239
South Farms, 182
Southbury, 141, 209
Southington, 32, 245
Southmayd, John R., petition
signed by, 118
Southworth, Ansel, application
signed by, 192
Southworth, Ansel, mentioned, 216,
223-224
Southworth, William W., applica-
tion signed by, 192
Spalding, Samuel, petition signed
by, 118
Spelman, Lieut. Apollos, petition
signed by, 240
Sparkhawk, Dr. Jonathan H., letter
by, 66
Sparks, William, mentioned, 114
Spencer, Ezra, petition signed by,
118
Sperry, Erastus, petition signed by,
56
Staddle Hill, Middletown, 117, 250
Stafford, 169, 239, 240, 247
Stamford, 110, 206
Staples, Lieut. Col. Seth P., bill
signed by, 121
Staples, Lieut. Col. Seth P., letter
by, 28
Staples, Lieut. Col. Seth P., men-
tioned, 4, 5, 7, 13, 110, 119
Staples, Lieut. Col. Seth P., men-
tions death of child, 28
Staples, [Lieut. Col. Seth P.], peti-
tion signed by, 126
Starr, Mr., Jr., mentioned, 232
Starr, Lieut. Col. Elias, mentioned,
107, 141
Starr, Luther, petition signed by,
118
Starr, Nathan, Jr., letter by, 156
Starr, Nathan, Jr., letter to, 158
Starr, Nathan, Jr., mentioned, 175
Starr, Nathan, Jr., petition certified
by, 118
State Corps, 27, 28, 33, 49, 75, 77,
91, 98, 135, 143, 144, 148, 153, 155,
165, 188, 196, 224, 226, 250, 251
State Corps, incorporated into Mili-
tia, 222
State Corps, Artillery, 31, 33, 37,
63
State Corps, Artillery, 1st Co., 40,
51, 78, 83
State Corps, Artillery, 2nd Co., 37,
39, 40, 41, 45, 61
State Corps, Artillery, 2nd Co., de-
sires to remain artillery in mili-
tia, 45, 61
State Corps, Artillery, 2nd Co., fu-
ture disposition of, 39
State Corps, Artillery, 2nd Co., re-
quests annexation to 7th Regt.,
Militia, 40, 41
State Corps, Artillery, 3rd Co., 100,
113, 115, 127
State Corps, Artillery, 4th Co., 21,
29, 31, 40, 41
[State Corps, Artillery], 4th Co.,
attached to 18th Regt., Militia,
29, 31
State Corps, Cavalry, 1st Troop,
127, 128
State Corps, Cavalry, 2nd Troop,
195
State Corps, Cavalry, 3rd Troop,
43, 44, 91, 131, 134, 174
State Corps, Infantry, 2nd Co., 205
State Corps, Infantry, 4th Co., 205,
225
State Corps, Infantry, 1st Regt.,
2nd Co., 129
State Corps, Infantry, 1st Regt.,
4th Co., 126
State Corps, Infantry, 1st Regt.,
8th Co., 130
State Corps, Infantry, [1st Regt.],
9th Co., 217, 228, 229
273
INDEX
State Corps, Infantry, 2nd Regt.,
58, 100
State Corps, Infantry, 2nd Regt.,
5th Co, 134
State Corps, Infantry, [2nd Regt,
6th Co.], 137, 168, 172, 180, 204
State Corps, Infantry, 2nd Regt,
7th Co., 131, 132, 145, 181
State Corps, Infantry, 2nd Regt.,
9th Co., 181
State Corps, Infantry, 2nd Regt.,
10th Co., 181
Statutes, exchange between States,
93
Stearns, Elisha, appointed Judge
Advocate, 132, 158
Stearns, Elisha, letter by, 1
Stephens, Lieut., mentioned, 173
Sterling, 109, 169, 247
Sterling, letter dated at, 123
Stevens, Nath[anie]l, petition
signed by, 47
Stillman, Rouse, mentioned, 113,
114
Stoddard, Sergt. Isaac, mentioned,
98, 126
Stone, Samuel, Jr., petition signed
by, 56
Stone, Capt. Samuel H., letter to,
30
Stone, Capt. Samuel H. and others,
petition by, 25
Stone, W[illia]m, petition signed
by, 56, 246
Stonington, 6, 19, 57, 58, 109, 119,
142, 159, 200, 248
Stratford, 104, 105, 190, 195, 206
Strong, David S., petition signed
by, 118
Strong, Henry, appointed Judge
Advocate, 132, 157
Strong, Moses, mentioned, 94
Suffield, 32, 244
Suggestions for disbanding 4th
Regt., Cavalry, 236
Suggestions for forming battalion,
211, 212
Suggestions for forming military
companies, 180, 181, 182
Suggestions for forming Militia
companies, 166
Suggestions for forming Rifle com-
panies, 227
Suggestions for reorganizing 2nd
Regt., Cavalry, 195
274
Suggestions for reorganizing Mili-
tia, 189, 190, 191
Suggestions for transferring Cav-
alry Company to Horse Artillery,
234
Summers, Edward B., application
signed by, 155
Swan, Capt. Adam, mentioned, 104
Swift, Nathan S., mentioned, 114
Tallmadge, Benjamin, petition
signed by, 125
Tarbox, David, Jr., petition signed
by, 55
Tarbox, Godfrey, Jr., mentioned, 62
Taylor, Maj. Gen. Augustine, men-
tioned, 57, 84
Taylor, Sergt. Benjamin, petition
signed by, 50, 54
Taylor, Nathan F., mentioned, 62
Terry, Nathaniel, letter by, 19
Terry, Nathaniel, letter to, 2
Thomas, Capt. Charles, mentioned,
102
Thomas, Jedediah W., application
signed by, 192
Thompson, Capt., mentioned, 100
Thompson, Capt. Caleb, finding of
court martial upon, 4, 5
Thompson, Gideon, application
signed by, 155
Thompson, Lieut. Isaac, mentioned,
113, 114
Thompson, Jabez C., mentioned,
115
Thompson, Sergt. Samuel, applica-
tion signed by, 154
Thompson, 169, 247
Tolland, 108, 141, 169, 190, 207, 239,
247
Tolland County, 132, 158
Tolies, Amos, petition signed by,
118
Tomlinson, Lieut. John L., deposi-
tion signed by, 101
Tomlinson, Lieut. John L., men-
tioned, 100, 127
Tomlinson, Joseph, copy of note to,
116
Tomlinson, Joseph, letter by, 100
Tomlinson, Joseph, letter to, 93
Tomlinson, Joseph, mentioned, 113,
114, 115, 127
Torrington, 141, 209
INDEX
Tousey, Capt. Joseph, letter by, 129
Towner, Luther, application signed
by, 193
Tracy, Lieut. Col. Freeman, men-
tioned, 57, 141
Treat, Jireh, petition signed by, 56
Treat, John, petition signed by, 56
Treat, Orrian, petition signed by,
56
Treat, Samuel, petition signed by,
56
Troops recommended for Cavalry,
28
Trowbridge, Lieut. William, letter
by, 133
Trowbridge, Capt. William, letter
by, 175
Trowbridge, Capt. William, men-
tioned, 175, 232
Troy, [N.Y.], letter dated at, 96
Trumbull, Col. Jos[eph], letter by,
37
Trumbull, 142, 155, 190, 206, 229
Tryon, Dennis, petition signed by,
118
[Tryon, Brig. Gen. Moses, Jr.],
mentioned, 73
Tucker, Shelden, mentioned, 114
Tuller, Rufus, petition signed by,
246
Turkey Hills, 244
Turrill, Nehemiah, mentioned, 114
Tuttle, Joel, petition signed by, 25
Tuttle, Sergt. Joseph, mentioned,
138
Tuttle, Capt. Uriel, mentioned, 72,
74
Tuttle, Capt. Uriel, suspended and
pardoned, 65, 70, 71
Uniforms, 137, 139, 237, 250, 251
Union, 169, 239, 247
Union, Fort, see Fort Union
United States, 18, 19, 81, 150, 151
United States, Connecticut account
with, 119
United States, 12th Congress, 81,
90
United States, 13th Congress, 81,
90
United States, 13th Congress, 3rd
Session, 90, 122
United States Infantry, 86
United States Infantry, 26th Regt.,
88
United States Ordnance Depart-
ment, report on quality and price
of arms, 9, 10
Vermont, 94, 122
Vernon, 141, 169, 190, 239, 240, 247
Verry, Garvy, application signed
by, 155
Viets, Capt. John, letter signed by,
23
Volunteer Exempts, 10
Voluntown, 200, 248
Waldo, Sergt. Levi, petition signed
by, 50, 54
Waldo, Samuel P., mentioned, 66
Wales, Leonard E., appointed
Judge Advocate, 132, 157
Wallingford, 203, 249
War Department, 119, 121
War of 1812, conclusion, 18, 20
War of 1812, expenses incurred by
Connecticut, 119-121
Ward, Ichabod, mentioned, 119
Ward, Col. James, Commissary
General, mentioned, 119, 120,
121, 149, 150
Warner, Abraham, petition signed
by, 118
Warner, Asa, petition signed by,
118
Warner, Ephraim, petition signed
by, 61
Warner, Ephraim, Jr., petition
signed by, 38
Warner, John P., application signed
by, 193
Warner, Preston B., application
signed by, 155
Warner, Timothy, application
signed by, 192
Warren, 209, 222
Washington, 42, 107, 146, 209
Washington, letter dated at, 42, 43
Washington, D.C., 81, 82, 96, 119,
149, 150, 151, 158, 159
Washington, D.C., letter dated at,
9, 13
Waterbury, 136, 142, 196, 203, 249
Waterford, 141, 200, 248
Watertown, 110, 209
Watertown, letter dated at, 44, 66
Watrous, Aaron, application signed
by, 193
275
INDEX
Watrous, Ichabod, petition signed
by, 55
Watrous, Lyman, application signed
by, 192
Watrous, Russell, application
signed by, 193
Waugh, Capt. Samuel, letter to,
225
Webb, Samuel, Jr., application
signed by, 193
Welcher, Gasper, petition signed
by, 55
Welles, Levi, mentioned, 10
Wells, Oliver, petition signed by,
62
Wells, Philip, petition signed by,
125
West Haven, [Vt.], letter dated at,
94
West Indies, 138, 172
Westbrook, 46
Westfield, 182
Weston, 155, 206, 229
Wethersfield, 32, 141, 208
Wetmore, Chauncey, petition
signed by, 118
Wetmore, Horace, petition signed
by, 118
Wetmore, Capt. Josiah, mentioned,
156
Wheeler, Abm. M., mentioned, 15
Wheeler, Abram M., application
signed by, 154
Wheeler, Charles, application
signed by, 155
Wheeler, Elisha, petition signed by,
55
Wheeler, Corp. Nichols, application
signed by, 154
Wheets, Guy, mentioned, 62
White, Lieut. Col. Daniel, men-
tioned, 141
White, Joseph, Jr., petition signed
by, 54
White, Obadiah, 2nd, petition
signed by, 55
Whiting, Abel, application signed
by, 192
Whittelsey (Whittlesey), Lieut.
Col. Chauncey, letter by, 8, 166,
180, 215, 232, 241
Whittelsey, Lieut. Col. Chauncey,
letter to, 198
Whittelsey, Lieut. Col. Chauncey,
mentioned, 148
276
Whittelsey, Brig. Gen. Chauncey,
letter to, 249, 250
Whittelsey, Ens. Henry, repri-
manded and pardoned, 65
Whittelsey, Matthew B., memoran-
dum signed by, 171
Wilcox, Alexander, petition signed
by, 246
Wilcox, Eli, petition signed by, 118
Wilcox, Henry, petition signed by,
46
Wilcox, Jared, petition signed by,
118
Willey, Asa, mentioned, 10
Williams, Capt. Nathan, letter by,
127
Williams, Maj. Gen. William, men-
tioned, 119
Williams, Lieut. Col. William, Jr.,
letter by, 214, 217
Williams, Lieut. Col. William, Jr.,
mentioned, 189, 197, 201, 202, 212,
221
Williams, Lieut. Col. Zephaniah,
mentioned, 141
Willington, 169, 247
Willson, Elezer, mentioned, 15
Willson, Corp. Winthrop, men-
tioned, 15
Wilson, John, petition signed by,
118
Winchester, 72, 105, 209
Windham, 102, 141, 169, 247
Windham County, 132, 157
Windsor, 32, 141, 208
Winsted, letter dated at, 24
Wolcott, Oliver and others, petition-
signed by, 125
Wolcott, 135, 203, 249
Woodbridge, 195, 196, 203
Woodbridge, Amity Society, 249
Woodbury, 136, 209
Woodbury, letter dated at, 137
Woodbury, recommendation dated
at, 136
Woodruff, Major, mentioned, 66
Woodruff, Morris, petition signed'
by, 125
Woodstock, 169, 247
Wooster, Corp. Joel, application
signed by, 154
Wooster, Joseph L., application;
signed by, 155
Wooster, Fort, see Fort Wooster
Wright, Daniel B., petition signed]
by, 47
INDEX
W right, N ath [ anie ] 1, pet ition
signed by, 47
Wright, Lieut. Nathaniel, men-
tioned, 63
Wright, Ens. Samuel, reprimanded
and pardoned, 65
Yale, James, petition signed by, 118
Yale, Thomas G., mentioned, 114
Yeomans, Edward, petition signed
by, 118
Young, Lieut. Col. David, men-
tioned, 141, 199, 207
277
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